NPA response to leaked Brexit consultation

The NPA has responded following the leak of a Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) consultation on maintaining medicines supply in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

You may have seen the leaks were widely reported by the media today.

A spokesman said: “We are pleased that the government is now looking at a range of options for maintaining a prompt medicines supply service in the event of a no-deal Brexit.

“The Government has listened to us and they are now consulting on legislative provisions to allow pharmacists certain flexibilities to make supplies under protocol.

“The NPA has been invited to comment on the proposals set out by the DHSC.  We are currently in the process of preparing our detailed response.

“Government has asked manufacturers to ensure they have a minimum six weeks’ additional supply in the UK as buffer stock in case the UK leaves the EU next March with no-deal and without a transitional agreement.  By itself, this is an insufficient contingency to deal with the potential disruption that might occur.

“Therefore we welcome the current consultation on contingency measures giving pharmacists the opportunity to use their clinical judgment to meet patient demand.

“This includes substituting medicines in short supply for other medicines without the need for referral back to a GP.  This is a relatively straightforward contingency in the event of no-deal.

“We continue to be in close contact with Government and regulators about preparations for Brexit.”