Written question WQ92609
- Asked by
- Mabon ap GwynforPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
What assessment has the Welsh Government made of the impact of Brexit on the availability of pharmaceutical drugs in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
The continuity of supply of medicines to the UK is a reserved matter. The UK Government has responsibility for maintaining the continuity of supply of medicines to all parts of the UK.
The number of supply disruptions has increased since EU exit, however they are caused by many factors. The most significant impacts are related to insufficient production capacity as a result of increased global demand, or problems with the availability of active pharmaceutical ingredients and other raw materials used in the manufacturing process. These factors affect all countries equally.
Other factors, such as the relative strength of sterling and the introduction of post-EU exit customs checks, have the potential to influence suppliers’ decisions about supplying the UK.
We continue to work closely with the UK Government, NHS Wales, GPs and community pharmacies to ensure patients receive the medicines they need.