Source · Select Committees · Health and Social Care Committee
Recommendation 6
6
Acknowledged
Paragraph: 50
Update regulations to allow pharmacists to make dose and formulation substitutions for out-of-stock medicines.
Recommendation
We recommend that regulations are updated within three months to allow pharmacists in community settings to make dose and formulation substitutions for out-of-stock items, subject to the safeguards set out in the Royal Pharmaceutical Society’s Medicines Shortage Policy.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the complexity of medicine supply and states it is taking actions to improve management, but does not commit to updating regulations within three months for pharmacist substitutions, instead stating it will keep the idea of an independent review under consideration.
Paragraph Reference:
50
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Committee raises an interesting point. Medicine supply chains are highly regulated, complex and global. Supply disruption affects many countries around the world and is not specific to the UK. Issues with the medicines supply chain can occur for a number of reasons, most commonly due to manufacturing difficulties, regulatory noncompliance, sudden demand spikes or distribution issues. DHSC and NHS England do not routinely procure or supply medicines but do have a responsibility to manage medicine supply issues, help to prevent shortages and minimise risk to patients when they occur. Whilst supply issues can’t always be prevented, there are a range of well-established tools and processes already in place to mitigate risks to patients and successfully bring shortages to resolution, such as Serious Shortage Protocols (SSPs). The resilience of UK supply chains is a key priority, and we are continually learning and seeking to improve the way we work to both manage and help prevent supply issues and avoid shortages for patients. The Department, working closely with NHS England, is taking forward a range of actions to improve our ability to mitigate and manage shortages and strengthen our resilience. However, medicine shortages are a complex and global issue and everyone in the supply chain has a role to play in addressing them – any action will require a collaborative approach. We acknowledge the recommendation in the report to commission an independent review of the medicines chain and will keep this under consideration as part of response arrangements already underway to improve the way medicine supply issues are managed. Extending pharmacy services