EXCLUSIVE

The rollout of simplified PMR codes to communicate the cause of stock shortages is taking longer than planned, C+D has learned.

The British Association of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (BAPW) had hoped to convert the existing 35-40 codes that give pharmacists the reason for shortages into 10 simplified codes by the end of this year.

But BAPW executive director Martin Sawer told C+D last week (September 3) that he was unsure whether the codes will be rolled out in 2015 because there is still "a lot of work needed to change over [from] the existing system". 

The BAPW is now aiming to "harmonise" codes into 12 universal ones, rather than 10, which will be viewed by pharmacists, manufacturers and wholesalers, he explained.

The different stages of converting the codes is like “peeling an onion” and the BAPW has "realised we've got to involve the pharmacy bodies", Mr Sawer said. It is currently consulting with Pharmacy Voice, the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) and the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee (PSNC), and all the stakeholders are “on board” with the plans, he stressed.

The BAPW is still considering whether to pilot the new codes, roll out an initial phase of “70-80%” of the codes or prepare for a "big-bang launch" of all the codes, he added. 

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