Pharmaceutical firms are being asked to stockpile six weeks’ worth of drugs in preparation for disruption when the Brexit transition period ends on 31^st December 2020.

A letter from the UK Government’s Department of Health & Social Care says there will be no extension and companies should now prepare for cross-border supply chains being affected.

This is despite an acknowledgement that global supply chains are under “significant pressure” due to covid-19.

The DHSC goes on to say that stockpiling should be a “key part” of worst-case scenario contingency plans, alongside readying new supply routes that avoid tailbacks at the Dover-Calais crossing.

But the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry says more detail on a range of issues is “urgently” needed.

In recent months EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier has said the prospects of a deal are shrinking.

The BMA described the move as “incredibly concerning” because shocks would come as the NHS faces “one of the most challenging periods in its history”.

Deputy council chair and trade negotiations lead Dr David Wrigley said: “Asking pharmaceutical companies to stockpile six weeks’ worth of medicine is at best a short-term solution but does not offer any assurances as to how we can secure a steady supply of drugs for the UK.

“Having assurance is even more vital given that the demand of covid-19 has already depleted the supply of some drugs which makes adequate stockpiling even more challenging.

“With the transition period is only months away and at the height of what will be an undoubtedly difficult winter, this is incredibly concerning.”

The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry said its members had worked “around the clock” to keep supply chains working during the pandemic.

It is calling on the UK Government to reach a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the EU where both sides agree to accept the others’ drug regulations so that imports are not delayed.

David Watson, executive director of commercial policy at the trade body, said: “While [the] letter means that preparations can proceed, detailed guidance is still urgently required from Government on issues like freight capacity, ferry routes and the Northern Ireland Protocol.

“Coronavirus has only strengthened our belief that the best possible outcome is for both sides to reach a deal that includes an MRA to protect patients and public health.”

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