Royal Pharmaceutical Society warns no deal Brexit contingency won’t ‘eliminate risks’ to medical supply

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) in Scotland has warned “several challenges remain” in mitigating the risks to come from the UK leaving the European Union without a deal.

Further, the society said contingency planning by UK and Scottish Governments “does not eliminate these risks”.

RPS in Scotland director Alex MacKinnon told Holyrood pharmaceutical industry bodies were concerned about possible disruption to the medical supply chain, price rises and counterfeit medicines, which could all stem from a no deal Brexit.

“We have sought to engage constructively with the UK Government on measures to mitigate the risks associated. However, several challenges remain,” MacKinnon said.

“We understand that contingency planning by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and NHS England is in place to maintain patient access to medicines in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, which includes stockpiling by manufacturers and efforts to increase freight capacity.

“However, industry bodies such as the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, BioIndustry Association and Healthcare Distribution Association continue to raise concerns about the potential impact of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, including disruption to the supply chain, price rises and counterfeit medicines.”

MacKinnon cautioned patients not to stockpile their medicine in response to these concerns, as he said: “This will only exacerbate the very problem we are trying to avoid.”

“Manufacturers have contingency plans in place and will build up stockpiles of medicines in preparation for our exit from Europe,” he said.

“Medicines shortages have been a feature of pharmacy life for many years and pharmacists are already used to managing shortages every day so that patients can receive appropriate treatment.

“New contingency measures were introduced recently to further enable pharmacists to help alleviate any potential medicines shortages and we will continue to engage with governments and others across the health service about how any measures might work in practice. “

Even with these measures in place, MacKinnon said a no deal Brexit could place more strain on the supply chain and increase pressure on pharmaceutical staff.

“Despite best efforts from DHSC, the NHS and stakeholders, contingency planning does not eliminate these risks,” he said.

“The [UK] government has maintained that leaving the European Union with a deal is the best exit outcome and we would be concerned if this policy shifts towards leaving without an agreement or transition period.”

The RPS’ comments comes after Scottish Government Brexit Secretary Mike Russell said he “can’t absolutely guarantee” all medical supplies will be available if the UK leaves Europe with no deal.