The Department of Health (DoH) has announced that cost-cutting measures will lead to a reduction in the number of health quangos from 40 to 10, with nine having already been scrapped.
Among those already ditched are, the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), the Human Tissue Authority (HTA), whose functions will be transferred to other regulators.
Several quangos, including the Advisory Board on the Registration of Homeopathic Products, the Advisory Committee on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections and the Human Genetics Commission will now be reformed as groups of experts brought in to advise the Government.
Other quangos undergoing similar changes include advisory committees on borderline substances, dangerous pathogens, hepatitis, the safety of devices and aspects of radiation and the environment.
The 10 quangos being retained include the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee, the Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards, the British Pharmacopoeia Commission, and the Care Quality Commission.
Meanwhile, the Commission on Human Medicines, the Independent Reconfiguration Panel, Medical Education England, Monitor, the NHS Pay Review Body and the Review Body on Doctors’ and Dentists’ Remuneration will also remain.
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said: “Today’s changes continue our work to increase the accountability and transparency of public services, as well as ensuring that the advisory mechanisms we have are fit for purpose.
“The bodies who provide essential independent advice to the Department will continue to do so, but they will be streamlined and made more accountable so that they operate in the most cost effective way.”
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