Advice from Scotland's top doctor on Brexit medicines
Scotland's Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer have written a joint letter to health and social care workers about medicine supplies If the UK leaves the EU without a deal.
It says new controls on the entry of goods from the EU into the UK will need to be introduced which are likely to cause delays at ports of entry and a slow-down in the flow of medicines and medicine supplies into the UK.
Commenting on the letter, Health Secretary Jeanne Freeman said:
“Brexit is a crisis created by the UK Government, made worse by their refusal to rule out a disastrous ‘no deal’ exit. The reality is the supply of medicines and medical devices to Scotland will be impacted if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, meaning there is a risk of shortages.
“As a responsible government we are doing all we can to prepare as much as possible for the consequences of ‘no deal’. The joint letter from our Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer sets out clearly what preparations have been made to mitigate as best we can and provides our health and social care professionals with as much reassurance as possible.
“If the UK leaves the EU without a deal and some shortages occur, the NHS will manage the situation and, if necessary, provide advice on suitable alternatives or other treatment options while supply is restored to normal levels.”
Last week the UK government signed freight capacity contracts worth £86.6 million which is says will ensure vital medicines continue to enter the UK after Brexit, whatever the circumstances.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "The UK is getting ready to leave the EU on the 31 October and, like any sensible government, we are preparing for all outcomes.
"Our decisive action means freight operators will be ready and waiting to transport vital medicines into the country from the moment we leave."
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