Besides stockpiling by companies, industry warns of a scenario for patients to stock their own medicines. Credit: Healthcare Distribution Association.

The UK pharmaceutical industry bodies have told MPs that patients may need to stockpile their own drugs in case of a no-deal Brexit, which could result in ‘catastrophic consequences’ for drug supply.

Though such measures are not required yet, the increasing concerns for hard Brexit led to various pharmaceutical groups issuing warnings about the dire need for a deal between the UK and EU.

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The Healthcare Distribution Association (HDA UK) has said that a no-deal Brexit could cause drug shortages and price rises.

HDA executive director Martin Sawer said: “We need politicians to understand there could be consequences. We are not suggesting anybody needs to stockpile outside of the supply chain yet.

“But come January that might be a different picture. We are, we believe, going to be in a difficult situation if there is not a deal by Christmas.”

The government has advised companies to start stockpiling a six-week supply of medicines. The country imports 37 million packs of medicine each month from the EU, and a prolonged disruption at the borders could hinder the supply chain.

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According to the HDA, management of drugs within the UK is also critical.

“There are more things that need to be done in a no deal and I think we’ve got to the stage of recognising that stockpiling won’t be enough and we need to put in the next phase of plans.”

The association believes that a strong and regular communication between the NHS, regulators and all members of the supply chain will aid in better management of the supply challenges.

Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry head Mike Thompson added: “I think we also need to be honest with government and with parliament to say that there are more things that need to be done in a no deal and I think we’ve got to the stage of recognising that stockpiling won’t be enough and we need to put in the next phase of plans.”

Separately, UK Ministers have initiated a ‘tens of millions’ worth tender offer to facilitate extra storage capacity via more warehouse storage facilities, in case of a no-deal Brexit.

UK Secretary of State for Health Matt Hancock said: “We have issued today an invitation to tender for additional storage capacity. We are looking for additional storage that is ready for the Brexit demand, or space that can be converted to medical storage, or for new facilities [such as cold storage]. We are confident that [storage] can be delivered by March next year.”