PAGB welcomes today’s announcement and the positive outcome of these negotiations. We have always said that it is important that the views and concerns of the OTC sector and our customers are properly taken into account so that the supply of vital medicines to Northern Ireland and the UK is not interrupted or threatened.We have consistently called for a negotiated solution to address ongoing issues relating to the Centrally Authorised Procedure and the application of the Falsified Medicines Directive, as well as action to prevent burdensome new regulation impacting the provision of Medical Devices in Northern Ireland.Todays’ announcement goes a long way towards achieving that and is an illustration of the kind of constructive collaboration PAGB has advocated throughout.Whilst further work is needed to go into the details of the agreement and to ensure that this agreement can be implemented effectively in practice this is a very positive step forward and which will be welcomed by all those seeking to secure the vital role the OTC sector plays in UK and Northern Ireland health.PAGB Chief Executive Michelle Riddalls said: “We congratulate the UK and EU Governments on this very positive outcome which will help to secure the supply of medicines to Northern and Ireland and the UK and secure the huge contribution our sector makes to healthcare in the UK.“This agreement shows that the parties have been listening to and prioritising our sector’s concerns. Great progress has been made over recent years to avert many of the issues which could have prevented medicines being supplied to Northern Ireland. This has been possible because of the expert voice of the sector being heard and a constructive attitude being adopted by both sides.“PAGB has consistently called for a negotiated solution to resolving the remaining issues and we are pleased to see that this approach has been adopted.“Work still needs to be done to make sure that this agreement is implemented in the right way, and that the knowledge and expertise of industry is made use of as we move into implementation, PAGB will continue to do our best to go on making sure that this happens and the long-term interests of the sector and our consumers are protected.”ENDS Notes to editors: PAGB, the consumer healthcare association, represents the manufacturers of branded OTC medicines, self-care medical devices and food supplements in the UK. For further information please contact Farhana Hawthorn, Media and Public Affairs Manager, Farhana.hawthorn@PAGB.co.uk, 07522616526
