Unanswered questions
This seems like a bad idea, smacks of public sector empire building and offers very few clear benefits over existing solutions.
1. Why haven't you answered the question about who will pay for this. The BBCs decision to reduce the scope of its activities shows that a public sector organisation trying to replicate the work of the private sector (e.g. medicines.org.uk) is going against the grain of public policy in a time of severe public spending pressure.
2. How can we be sure that the budget will be in place long term to maintain the service. How many times have we seen public sector initiatives get funded for an initial big splash but without the long term funding in place for proper maintenance and developement (mobile web, web 3.0, Iphone Apps...). Think tower blocks without working lifts. This should only be contemplated if it can demonstrate ringfenced long term funding safe from the future spending cuts we all know are coming. If not, all it will do is kill medicines.org.uk and replace it with a service that in a year or two is likely to be poorly maintained and not to have kept up with developements in internet browsing technology and consumer behaviour.
3. Is the MHRA the right organisation to do this and does it have the correct risk management processes and structures to do it properly? What happens if and when a PIL is updated and the MHRA are slow to update their website or if an error creeps in. How long will be be before the first patient (or their bereaved family) sues the MHRA for failing to warn them of a medicine's side effects. Why expose the MHRA to this risk - let industry take on the risk and the cost.
Why the contribution is important
The MHRA must demonstrate
1. A unmeet need for this proposed service
2. Long term funding for it
3. That its organisation is well suited to the day to day maintenance such a service requires
4. That it is the right organisation to do this and that that there is a benefit to the public from goverment taking over the responsibility for electronic patient information leaflets from industry.