NEW/EXC The UK is looking to rebuild it's six-week 'no deal' medicines stockpile, but #coronavirus fallout looks like this is going to be very hard, causing "serious concerns" at Dept of Health - my latest with @SarahNev 1/thread
ft.com/content/4611bf…
ft.com/content/4611bf…
@SarahNev So what's the problem? Well, as we report, the last stockpile was built mainly by the drug industry at behest of government. (70+% of NHS drugs are generics) BUT this time when DHSC went back to industry to re-request, they didn't like what they heard. /2
@SarahNev The combination of stockpiles being depleted during the Covid-19 pandemic, the disruption to international production of generic drugs in India and China, and the risks of a second wave interrupting global supplies this year has raised “huge concern”, per source/3
@SarahNev It then raises the prospect of a government-led procurement process - but this is not easy, since other countries are doing same. And as was made clear by govt's efforts on PPE etc during #coronavirus crisis, governments aren't always best equipped to do this stuff. /4
@SarahNev There are still around six month to go before Jan 1 2021 'exit day' but in a 'non-negotiated' exit, its clear that there are concerns that guaranteeing medicines supply is looking like it will be much trickier this time around, for reasons beyond govt's control /5
@SarahNev This will be one to watch. The govt says
it's in regular contact with industry and partners to ensure supplies in “all scenarios” in the coming months as it continued negotiations with the EU. And that "robust contingency planning continues" /6
it's in regular contact with industry and partners to ensure supplies in “all scenarios” in the coming months as it continued negotiations with the EU. And that "robust contingency planning continues" /6
@SarahNev But one reason why this is interesting, I think, is that it factors into the viability of a 'no deal' exit.
Government might be able to ignore the concerns of hauliers, freight forwarders, manufacturers etc but its much harder to be cavalier about medicine supplies. /7
Government might be able to ignore the concerns of hauliers, freight forwarders, manufacturers etc but its much harder to be cavalier about medicine supplies. /7
@SarahNev As we reach the 'autumn crunch' and the Govt decides just how strong its stomach really is for an "Australian-style" non-negotiated exit, a failure to build a medicines buffer may start to weigh on decision-making.
After all, they do have medicines in Australia. ENDS
After all, they do have medicines in Australia. ENDS
