This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Ban on some drug exports announced
The government has announced a ban on some drug exports to protect NHS patients' access to medicines.
Following a survey of local pharmacists, which found shortages of every major type of medicine in the past six months, the 24 medicines affected by the move include hormone replacement therapy drugs, contraceptives and adrenaline pens.
While ministers have insisted that the restrictions were not linked to Brexit and medicine shortages did occasionally occur, pharmaceutical industry leaders have widely welcomed the move, saying stockpiles of medicines would now be better protected and available for NHS use only.
The move itself is somewhat unprecedented, marking the first time that the government has deemed the risk of shortages for NHS patients to require intervention to protect supplies.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "I know how distressing medicine shortages can be for those who rely on drugs like HRT and it is absolutely crucial patients can always access safe and effective treatments through the NHS."
Dr Rick Greville, from the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry, added: "It means that these stockpiles of medicines which companies have built over previous months are better protected and available for use only by the NHS patients for which they were intended. Companies can now work with the [health] department to identify any problem areas."
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