Diabetics like Theresa May ‘will struggle to get insulin’ in event of no-deal Brexit
THERESA May is among 1.2million diabetics who will struggle to get insulin after a no-deal Brexit, the chair of the UK drug’s regulator warns.
Sir Michael Rawlins said the UK does not produce any of the life-saving medication, which is used to control blood sugar levels.
It needs to be produced, transported and stored in temperature-controlled conditions.
Any delays at ports or interruptions to supplies due to added bureaucracy could put patients at serious risk of harm or death.
Sir Michael, from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said pharma firms are “worried” about supply chains.
He told the Pharmaceutical Journal [must keep]: “There are problems and the Department for Exiting the EU and the Department of Health needs to work out.
“Here’s just one example why: we make no insulin in the UK. We import every drop of it.
“You can’t transport insulin around ordinarily because it must be temperature-controlled.
“There are 3.5million diabetics, [many of which] rely on insulin, not least the Prime Minister.
“Disruption to the supply chain is one of the ways that patients could be seriously disadvantaged.
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“It could be a reality if we don’t get our act together. We can’t suddenly start manufacturing insulin — it’s got to be sorted, no question.”
There are around 3.7million diabetics in the UK and 1.2million of them are thought to need insulin to control their condition.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons Health Committee on Tuesday that officials are planning to stockpile drugs.
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