Health Secretary says local stockpiling of medicines unnecessary

Matt Hancock has issued a letter to healthcare providers stating that in the event of a no Brexit deal, there could be significantly reduced access into Dover and Folkestone for up to six months, which could disrupt the flow of goods such as medicines and medical products. He says the pharmaceutical industry responded well to his request in August to stockpile a six-week supply of POM and P medicines as a precaution, but warns that “this will now need to be supplemented with additional actions” and the Government is working with the industry on this. “Local stockpiling by UK health and social care providers is unnecessary and could cause shortages in other areas, which would put patient care at risk. Any incidences involving the over-ordering of medicines will be investigated and followed up with the relevant Chief or Responsible Pharmacist directly. The Department and the NHS will implement monitoring mechanisms to ensure Trusts are not stockpiling locally. NHS organisations should continue to manage shortage issues through existing communication channels.”
Director general of the British Generic Manufacturers Association, Warwick Smith, said: “Our members have cooperated with the Government’s request for holding additional stocks and providing data to allow them to assess the risk to the supply chain of medicines, and to work with us on putting in place mitigating measures. However, while the outcome of Brexit clearly remains uncertain, it is now time to accelerate this work and putting mitigating measures in place takes time. Therefore, while an update from the Secretary of State is helpful, it contains less detailed information than leaks from other Government departments. It is vitally important that the Government shares with us and others all their current information so that we can plan accordingly.”