Pharmacy Voice has welcomed today’s parliamentary debate on delays to the supply of prescription medicines and called for active discussions to proceed on changes to the law regarding obligations on suppliers.
Pharmacy Voice has welcomed today’s parliamentary debate on delays to the supply of prescription medicines and called for active discussions to proceed on changes to the law regarding obligations on suppliers.
The debate was opened by Conservative MP for Stourbridge Margot James, who told the House of Commons that she although she welcomed the Department of Health’s recent best practice guidance, she remains concerned about patient safety. Mrs James said that the Government should consider introducing legal obligations on manufacturers and wholesalers to deliver a prompt service to pharmacies.
Responding for the Government, Health Minister Paul Burstow said he did not rule out a so-called ‘public service obligation’ , but would need firm evidence of patient impact before he could commit to such a move. He also thanked pharmacists for working “tirelessly” to ensure that patients get the medicines they need when they need them.
Ian Facer, Chairman of Pharmacy Voice, said:
“We welcome the debate, which took place in the context of a now long-standing and very troubling medicines supply situation. The Minister did not rule out a public service obligation, and we see no reason why active discussions on this cannot begin immediately, brokered by the Department of Health. We will be compiling the evidence of patient impact that the Minister says he needs in order to proceed.
“In the meantime, 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.”