Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC)

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is the UK government department responsible for health and social care policy in England. It oversees the National Health Service (NHS) and sets standards for social care. The DHSC is currently newsworthy due to several ongoing issues. Firstly, resident doctors in England have voted to continue striking over pay and working conditions, marking a prolonged dispute with the government. Secondly, the DHSC faces increasing pressure to disclose details of a medicines deal with the US, amid concerns it will raise drug costs. Finally, a PPE company linked to Michelle Mone, which owes the DHSC nearly £150m for unusable PPE supplied during the pandemic, has entered liquidation at the DHSC's request. These events highlight challenges the DHSC faces in managing healthcare resources, negotiating international agreements, and ensuring accountability in public procurement.