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HoC Answers - 02.03.12
PSNC Branded Shortages List
Huw Irranca-Davies (Labour, Ogmore): To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department monitors the number of emergency direct deliveries made by medicines manufacturers to pharmacies in England.
Mr Simon Burns (Minister of State for Health): The Department does not monitor the number of emergency deliveries made by medicine manufacturers to pharmacies.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department will conduct an impact assessment of the financial effects of branded medicine shortages on medicines (a) pharmacy, (b) wholesale and (c) manufacturing businesses.
Mr Simon Burns: While we have not conducted an impact assessment of the financial effects of branded medicine supply issues, recognition has been made in the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework funding for extra time that pharmacy staff spend sourcing medicines.
Huw Irranca-Davies: To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has sought advice on the legal standing of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee list of medicines in short supply; and if he will publish any such advice.
Mr Simon Burns: The joint best practice guidance refers to the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee's (PSNC) Branded Shortages List.
This published list ensures that all pharmacies and wholesalers are aware of the latest supply position.
This list is a matter for the PSNC.
Paul Uppal (Conservative, Wolverhampton South West): To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken by his Department to ensure that the demand for prescription medications is met.
Mr Simon Burns: There are existing legal duties on manufacturers and distributors to ensure appropriate and continued supplies of medicines to pharmacies within the limits of their responsibilities, so that the needs of patients are met.
The Department continues to work closely with supply chain stakeholders to ensure patients receive the medicines they need.
Posted 2 March 2012