Minister Provides Update on National Drug Shortage

To date, there have been no delays in patients’ treatments or surgeries as a result of a national shortage of a select number of injectable drugs. The Department of Health and Community Services is continuing to work with the four provincial regional health authorities on this issue and is monitoring the supply of these drugs in the province.

“The Provincial Government has been working diligently with the regional health authorities to monitor the provincial supply of injectable drugs currently linked to the national shortage,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Health and Community Services. “I am happy to report that currently Newfoundland and Labrador is managing the drug supply within the province. However, if we should be faced with potential impacts in the future we want to reassure the general public that plans are being put in place within the health authorities to ensure we are able to manage any shortages experienced.”

Actions being undertaken by the department and the regional health authorities include:

• Stock levels are being monitored across the province on a daily basis;
• Alternative suppliers are being contacted;
• Clinical alternatives (oral medications) are being identified and IV preparations are being used only when no other mode of delivery is indicated;
• An ethics framework has been drafted to support clinical decisions regarding the management of any shortages, which will be brought forward to the Provincial Health Ethics Network for provincial implementation; and,
• The Department of Health and Community Services is participating in weekly Federal/Provincial/Territorial conference calls chaired by Health Canada with participation from Sandoz Canada Inc., and is a member of the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Drug Shortage Task Team.

As the department continues to monitor the situation, further updates will be provided to ensure the general public is kept informed.

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Media contact:
Jennifer Tulk
Director of Communications
Department of Health and Community Services
709-729-1377, 699-6524
jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca 

2012 05 22             2:10 p.m.