Pharmacy Voice is calling on the government to explore whether new legislation is needed to deal with delays in the supply of prescription medicines – delays that pharmacists across the UK have warned is putting patients at risk.
Pharmacy Voice is calling on the government to explore whether new legislation is needed to deal with delays in the supply of prescription medicines – delays that pharmacists across the UK have warned is putting patients at risk.
The call has come the same day that Conservative MP for Stourbridge Margot James is due to hold a parliamentary debate on the issue (Wednesday 4thMay 11am)
Several European countries have already put in place supply obligations on manufacturers and wholesalers to ensure that community pharmacists can get medicines to their patients, when and where the medicine is needed. Belgium, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Portugal and Spain have all introduced these so called ‘public service obligations’. Pharmacy Voice wants the Government to investigate similar legal requirements for the UK.
Ian Facer, Chairman of Pharmacy Voice said:
“Pharmacists on the front line have reported a worsening in the supply situation over recent months. Manufacturers are attempting to control the supply of medicines by applying quotas indiscriminately, causing considerable inconvenience for pharmacists and distress for patients. For many people with long term conditions, their medication is vital and it is unacceptable that they should be put through the ordeal of having to wait for their medicines whilst the pharmacist jumps through hoops to get them what they need. We are pleased that the Department of Health recently issued guidance which stated that pharmacies should receive their medicines within 24 hours of ordering them. However, we hope MPs will join us in calling for a stronger obligation on suppliers if things do not improve.
“As it currently stands, pharmacists are required in their NHS contract to supply medicines with reasonable promptness. A ‘Public Service Obligation’ would also impose obligations on manufacturers and wholesalers higher up the supply chain.
“Above all, the proper course is for everyone involved in the supply chain to continue to co-operate, with all eyes fixed firmly on the needs of patients.”