The Department of Health has insisted the system is “working hard” to maintain the supply of antibiotics in the face of “exceptional” demand driven by Strep A infection rates.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the Department said UK health chiefs are “are working closely with manufacturers and wholesalers to expedite resupply deliveries” amid soaring demand for the drugs.
Over previous weeks, GPs and pharmacists across Northern Ireland have voiced concern about supplies. Community Pharmacy NI said that its issue was over funding and being unable to afford to purchase supplies of antibiotics in advance.
Read more: Strep A: Antibiotic deliveries to NI pharmacies being accelerated amid reports of low supplies
As well as the statement issued this evening, a letter sent to DUP MLA Paul Frew by the Department of Health Permanent Secretary on Monday also addressed concerns over supply. In it the top official tells the North Antrim MLA “I understand local pharmacies are experiencing a temporary interruption of supply of some antibiotics, such as penicillin, due to the rapid increased demand which has overwhelmed the normal stock holdings at pharmacy and wholesale level”.
In their statement, the Department says: “The demand for antibiotics for the treatment of Group A Streptococcus infection remains at an exceptional level.
"To put this in context, it is estimated that around one month’s worth of stock based on normal demand was exhausted in less than 48 hours last week.
"While demand is well in excess of what is usual for this time of year, the system has been working hard to replenish stocks as quickly as possible, as such wholesalers are still receiving and making deliveries, with more scheduled over the coming days. Wholesalers are carefully managing the volumes available to them to ensure that supplies are available to those in greatest need.
“The increase in demand for antibiotics is being seen across the UK and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), who have lead responsibility for continuity of medicines supply on a UK-wide basis, are working closely with manufacturers and wholesalers to expedite resupply deliveries to secure continuity of supply.
"The supply chain has responded positively to this unprecedented surge in demand with suppliers increasing manufacturing capacity and fast-tracking delivery of ingredients required for production.
“Locally community pharmacies, wholesalers and procurement teams have been working tirelessly to secure stock deliveries into Northern Ireland. The Department acknowledges the immense efforts from all involved.
“The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer has updated pharmacy teams on the current situation and to ask that pharmacy teams work with prescribers to understand local antibiotic availability and refrain from ordering excessive quantities to avoid putting the supply chain under additional pressure.
"Advice to HSC clinicians on the management of the current supply issues, including signposting to use of alternatives as necessary, has also been issued.”
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