Growth in distribution channels has been a feature of the condom market through the second half of the 1980s to date in response to the AIDS crisis. The market is continuing to show gradual real volume growth, but has slowed considerably from the very high growth rates it displayed in the early years of AIDS awareness campaigns. Condom usage has risen substantially over the past six years, whilst use of the pill has remained broadly stable. At present, both the pill and condom markets are facing political scrutiny. Oral contraceptive suppliers are concerned as to how the latest review of the NHS Selected List will affect their market.
Oral contraceptives are the only prescription available freely to anyone.
In 1993's cost-conscious health service, it seems likely that the Government will seek some method of saving money in this large prescription category.