APPG Medicines Shortages Inquiry

On 21 November 2011, the All-Party Pharmacy Group launched an inquiry into the issue of shortages in NHS prescription medicines. Shortages in the supply chain have been occurring for two years with no sign of improvement.

The Group is aware that the reasons for shortages are complex and not the result of one single factor. However, we are concerned that efforts to resolve the issue have failed to improve matters. The inquiry will provide an opportunity to examine the issue in detail, receive evidence from interested parties and seek solutions to a problem that puts patients at risk. Click here for the press release announcing the inquiry.

Having received a significant response to the call for written evidence, the Group is currently holding a number of oral evidence sessions in Parliament at which representatives from across the medicines supply chain will appear. Details of these sessions can be found below, and for more information please Click here to read a letter from the Chair Kevin Barron MP, or contact appg@luther.co.uk

For further details please contact appg@luther.co.uk

The final session of the Inquiry into NHS Prescription Medicine Shortages, will take place on Monday the 26th March, in Committee Room 9 of the House of Commons.

The fifth session will involve the officers of the All-Party Pharmacy Group receiving evidence from Department of Health representatives. Witnesses are:

• Earl Howe, Parliamentary Undersecretary of State, Department of Health
  
• Keith Ridge, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Department of Health
• Giles Denham, Head of Medicines Pharmacy and Industry Group, Department of Health
• Katy Peters, Deputy director of Pricing and Supply, Department of Health
• Gerald Heddell, Director of Inspection, Enforcement and Standards, MHRA

For further details please contact appg@luther.co.uk