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<p>We understand that antibiotics are vitally important to many people in this country.
Our contingency plans include sensible mitigations for medicines that come to the
United Kingdom from or via the European Union to ensure that the supply of antibiotics
and other essential medicines for patients is not disrupted.</p><p> </p><p>In August
2018, the Department wrote to all pharmaceutical companies that supply prescription-only
and pharmacy medicines, including antibiotics, to the UK that come from, or via, the
EU/European Economic Area (EEA) asking them to ensure a minimum of six weeks’ additional
supply in the UK, over and above existing business-as-usual buffer stocks, by 29 March
2019. We recognise, however, that certain medicines cannot be reasonably stockpiled.
Where these medicines are imported from the EU or EEA, we have asked that suppliers
ensure in advance plans to air freight these medicines from the EU in the event of
a ‘no deal’ exit.</p><p> </p><p>On 7 December, the Government published updated reasonable
worst-case scenario border disruption planning assumptions in the event of a ‘no deal’
EU exit. Medicines and medical products are prioritised in cross-Government planning,
and the Department is working with relevant partners across Government and industry
to ensure we have sufficient roll-on, roll-off freight capacity on alternative routes
to enable these vital products to continue to move freely into the UK.</p><p> </p><p>Throughout
enacting our plans, we have received very good engagement from industry who share
our aims of ensuring that the continuity of supply of medicines and medical products
for patients is maintained and able to cope with any potential delays at the border
that may arise in the short term in the event of a ‘no deal’ EU exit.</p>
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