THIS week's rejection of British Prime Minister Theresa May's proposals for the UK to leave the European Union has raised the prospect of "very real, tangible and immediate threats to patient safety and public health in both the UK and across Europe".
That's the stark warning being issued by the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) in the wake of the failed plans, which could see the UK leaving the EU in a "disorderly manner" on 30 Mar.
The EFPIA has recommended a range of actions to ensure ongoing patient safety, including the urgent development of measures to recognise UK-based testing of medicines until it can be transferred to the EU.
In addition, the Federation has called for continued participation by the UK in key data-sharing platforms which protect public health and drug safety.
Also urged is the creation of contingency plans such as fast track lanes or priority routes for medications through ports and airports across the EU and Britain.
"We, along with many others in the healthcare community and across the life sciences sector, believe that an explicit commitment to securing long-term, extensive cooperation around the regulation of medicines and medical technologies is in the best interests of patients and public health," the organisation said.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) echoed the concerns, reiterating its previous warnings that a "no deal" Brexit would be very damaging, according to First Word Pharma.
The report noted previous suggestions by the UK's Department of Health and Social Care which asked pharmaceutical suppliers to stockpile at least six weeks' worth of medicines to ensure continuation of supply for National Health Services patients in the eventuality of a no-deal Brexit.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 17 Jan 19
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