Brussels changes to over-the-counter medicines rules could push NHS in NI 'to breaking point'
EU rules affecting the sale of common treatments sold in pharmacies risk placing “an unmanageable burden” on Northern Ireland’s already stretched health service, the DUP leader has said.
Gavin Robinson has raised concern over Brussels proposals to ban antimicrobial medicines being sold without prescription – saying although the changes should not apply in the province, in reality they will.
The East Belfast MP raised the issue in the House of Commons during Northern Ireland Questions on Wednesday, warning that around 60,000 products currently sold over the counter could be affected, creating a surge in demand for GP appointments that the health service does not have the capacity to absorb.
The NIO minister Matthew Patrick MP said he was aware of the EU reforms, and said the government shared the EU’s ambition to take action on antimicrobial resistance. However, the Labour politician said he is aware of the potential impact on Northern Ireland’s health service, particularly on demand for GP appointments.
The EU proposals are aimed at reducing resistance to anti-microbial medicines across the trading bloc.
The DUP leader told the News Letter: “Our health service is already under severe strain. The idea that it could suddenly cope with tens of thousands of additional GP appointments as a result of regulatory changes imposed through EU rules is completely unrealistic.
“If these changes are allowed to proceed unchecked, GP practices will face additional pressure and the system will be pushed closer to breaking point.
“The Government has acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and has undertaken to provide a further update on steps being taken to address the potential impact on Northern Ireland but the Government must now act decisively to ensure that Northern Ireland is not once again caught by rules that were never designed with our health service in mind.
“The DUP will not relent in our efforts to remove these barriers. We are fighting to restore full democratic accountability and ensure that Northern Ireland’s place within the UK internal market is fully and unambiguously respected.”
The Windsor Framework promised a move in medicines regulation in Northern Ireland from European Medicines Agency (EMA) to the UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Last year, MLAs were told that antimicrobial medicines may not be covered by the deal.