Pharmacy can ‘force’ government’s hand on stock shortages, says ABPI chief

Stephen Whitehead would like to clarify a point he made during his speech to the recent BAPW conference:

“The key stakeholders in the supply chain – representing manufacturers, wholesalers, and pharmacists – cannot resolve this situation alone. We have to work closely together with the Department of Health (DH), and in particular the DH Supply Chain Forum, to ensure that the medicines supply chain is as stable and secure as possible. Through our partnerships we have moved forward, and I believe the situation is improving. In fact, it looks like the tide is now turning as the exchange rates swing once again. Action has to be taken to ensure patient safety, but no one party can force this issue on their own.”