Parallel imports would no longer be “easily and swiftly” imported into the UK if it leaves the single market, the Healthcare Distribution Association (HDA) said on Monday (October 31).

Leaving the European Economic Area could also lead to more expensive drugs due to losing the trading benefits of being part of the single market, the HDA warned in an open letter to the government.

Wider consequences

The HDA said it is concerned Brexit could affect the ease of employing EU nationals. The healthcare sector – including community and hospital pharmacy – “benefit from skilled workers from the EU”, it stressed.

British patients could also experience delays in receiving the latest treatments when the European Medicines Agency moves its headquarters from London to an EU country, the HDA added.

Last month, Sigma director Rajiv Shah warned that the falling value of the pound and potential rise in importing fees could cost pharmacies around £2,400 a year.

Over-the-counter medicines manufacturers have already become more expensive in the wake of the Brexit vote, he told delegates at Avicenna’s annual UK conference.