UK drugs being diverted abroad
By Tom Moberly, 04 September 2009
Drug shortages are occurring in the UK because pharmacists are selling medicines to overseas suppliers, the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has said.
Although shortages have been reported, figures show manufacturers provide 'more than enough' stock, it said.
But data suggest 12,600 UK pharmacies and a 'tiny number' of dispensing doctors are exporting medicines meant for the UK market, the ABPI said.
Prescription drugs tend to be cheaper in the UK than elsewhere in Europe. This discrepancy and the weak pound has created an incentive to sell medicines overseas for profit.
Dr David Baker, chief executive of the Dispensing Doctors' Association, urged dispensing doctors not to sell drugs abroad. 'Our advice is that you really should not. It is legal, but ethically questionable.'
Comment below and tell us what you think
Additional Information
Latest jobs Jobs web feed
- Salaried GP The Practice plc £75-85k FTE +NHS pension, Ely or Leicester
- Regional Clinical Leads The Practice plc Salary £95-105k FTE + NHS pension, Leicester or Sheffield
- Salaried/Lead GPs Malling Health Competitive, role dependant, NHS Pension and defence fees reimbursed, Nationwide
- Locums GP Wolverhampton Pegasus Medical £70 per hour, Wolverhampton and West Midlands long term
- Locum GP Leeds and Surrounding Area Pegasus Medical £70 - £75 per hour, Leeds and Yorkshire long term
- Locums GP Walsall Pegasus Medical £70 per hour, Walsall and West Midlands long term
Most read
Most commented
MIMS Drug Search
Possible searches include drugs (by brand, generic ingredient or drug class), diseases and more.
