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<p>Medicines supply problems can occur for a number of reasons due to manufacturing
difficulties, regulatory problems and problems with the supply of raw materials, or
from issues which are related to the distribution of the product. The manufacture
of medicines is complex and highly regulated, and materials and processes must meet
rigorous safety and quality standards, so difficulties can arise for various reasons.</p><p>
</p><p>The Department is responsible for the security of supply of medicines and ensuring
continued access to medicines for all patients is a key priority. There is a team
within the Department, which deals specifically with medicine supply issues arising
both in the community and hospitals and receives regular information from the pharmaceutical
industry about impending medicine supply issues. It works closely with the Medicines
and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, the pharmaceutical industry, NHS England
and others operating in the supply chain to help prevent shortages and to ensure that
the risks to patients are minimised when they do arise.</p>
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