UK Medicines Consolidation update July 2012 |
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A big thank you for your support with the recent Medicines Act consolidation MP letter writing campaign. It has been very successful with large numbers of patients and homoeopathic users taking the time to write to uphold their freedom of choice. It has made a difference. The homoeopathic pharmacies and the homoeopathic organisations have been working extremely hard behind the scenes to represent the best interests of homeopathy and the continuation of access to remedies. The recent campaign has been very successful in raising awareness of the issues the Medicines Act consolidation has brought up regarding remedy supplies from the specialist homoeopathic pharmacies. Nearly every MP received a letter. On Wednesday 27th June, the huge support for the current campaign resulted in a meeting between our homoeopathic representatives, supportive MP’s and the Ministerial team from the Department of Health. The good news is that the Department of Health continues to be in favour of patient choice and access to homeopathy as it currently stands and recognises the potential impact to patients, practitioners and homeopathic pharmacies of any changes to the way the Act is enforced. This was also the tone of the many standard replies MPs sent to their constituents affirming that the status quo would be unchanged. Although during the meeting it was discussed that Section 10 would not be part of the consolidation process it was highlighted that current levels of enforcement of the act would continue in the way it has done for the past 40 years and therefore would not seek to restrict the current homeopathic provision/access routes. The specialist pharmacies have a strong ethical case to justify mail order supplies with the high level of service, safety and expert supervision they provide customers, patients and carers. To amend Section 10, with our desired amendments to support homoeopathy, would require a unique consultation process and could therefore not form part of this consolidation process. The homoeopathic community will continue to engage with the relevant Ministers. When the review has continued through the legislative process the Minister has offered to meet with us again to review the situation. Now MP’s have been contacted, I would like to thank all who have written to and in some cases visited their MPs to highlight the relevant issues. Parliament is due to recess on the 17th July and we will keep you fully abreast of any developments and let you know if any further action is needed. In the interim thank you for your continued support. John Morgan M.R.Pharm.S |
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