RPS talks to SKY News about Brexit

RPS President Ash Soni spoke to SKY News this week about the potential consequences for patients in the event of a “no-deal” Brexit.

"We are worried that there may be shortages of medicines as a consequence of this," said Ash. "We need to be much clearer about where we are in the whole process and what is happening. Our concern is that we may have a shortage of medicines and that will have a direct impact on patient care. 

"However, having said that, short-term shortages of medicines due to supply chain issues or increased demand are not uncommon, and pharmacists frequently help manage these in their everyday practice."

The supply of medicines and devices could be affected by changes to existing customs arrangements and the current system of European regulation. Uncertainty over what could happen in the future is now leading to discussion in industry of the possibility of stockpiling medicines.

"We need a lot more information because at the moment our members simply do not know what will be required of them”, added Ash. “If we are asked to stockpile, the first question will be who is going to pay for it?”

Read the RPS submission to the Health and Social Care Select Committee's inquiry into Brexit – medicines, medical devices and substances of human origin.

Watch the SKY News piece: