Georgia’s argument is persuasive, but there are a few counter-arguments to her points, including the fact that specials – bespoke medicines – are unlicensed. This means that although manufacturers have to adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards, they don’t have to provide evidence of quality, safety and efficacy in the same way that they would have to when obtaining a license for a particular product from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Furthermore, specials are usually considerably more expensive than their licensed equivalents and, because they are made to order, they can take some time to reach the patient compared to medicines that can be picked off the shelf, or even ordered from a wholesaler for the same- or next-day delivery. In many cases, this delay to treatment – particularly for a new or urgent medicine – is unacceptable.