25.06.12
Four out of five trusts report drug shortages
The Government must take action to cope with medicine shortages, as patients struggle to obtain drugs for common but life-threatening conditions, an MP has urged.
Huw Irranca Davies, Labour MP for Ogmore, cites exports to other EU countries as the principal reason for the shortfall. A report by the all-party pharmacy group, published in May, also demonstrated this was the case.
A freedom of information request, issued by Irranca, showed that of the 60 trusts that responded, four out of five reported delays in obtaining stocks of some drugs.
He told BBC Radio Wales: “There are now between 70 and 80 drugs that are on shortage lists and it's been the case for two or three years. Some of the manufacturers justifiably say they're producing more than 150% of what's needed.
“It’s more profitable to sell these overseas because of the exchange rate – this isn't a new phenomenon, it has happened before. What they do in other European countries is they find one way or another to make their own patients the first priority.
“What we now have is chemists and doctors – even doctors in hospital as well as GPs – who are spending on average five hours a week on the phone ringing round to get hold of a pack of drugs for something which should be available around the corner in your local chemist. Some are spending up to 20 hours a week phoning around.”
A spokesperson for the DH said: “It is for manufacturers to ensure that any quotas set are flexible enough to cope with reasonable fluctuations in demand. Where quotas are used, companies setting them should also make sure that they are set fairly.
“Manufacturers should have their own contingency arrangements in place for pharmacies to be able to obtain medicines directly if they have problems getting hold of them.
“The Government does maintain a buffer stock of certain essential medicines that can be released in emergencies. We will take any action necessary in the event of disruption to supply and distribution of medicines that causes serious risk to patients.”
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