Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Type 2 Diabetes Medicine Shortages 2024-04-23

2024-04-23

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TAGS
Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Lee Anderson Reform
Ashfield
▸ Context
The question arises from ongoing issues with the availability of medicines used in treating type 2 diabetes.
What steps are being taken to tackle medicine shortages for type 2 diabetes? New patients should be able to receive these critical medicines without delay.
Andrew Stephenson
The Department has been working with suppliers to expedite deliveries, boost supplies and address issues. The position is now much improved compared to a few months ago, and new patients are able to receive critical medicines.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Details of the commitments made by suppliers and specific timelines for improvements were not provided.
We Continue To Work With Industry
Response accuracy
Q2 Direct Answer
Lee Anderson Reform
Ashfield
▸ Context
Obesity costs the NHS approximately £20 billion annually, significantly contributing to cases of type 2 diabetes.
What additional measures can be implemented to encourage healthier eating habits, thereby reducing healthcare costs associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes?
Andrew Stephenson
The programme includes restricting placements of less healthy products in shops, implementing calorie labelling on food sold in restaurants, and introducing a tax on sugary drinks which has reduced sugar consumption by 45,000 tonnes from soft drinks.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3 Partial Answer
Kirsty Blackman SNP
Aberdeen North
▸ Context
Recent Nuffield Trust reports indicate that medicine shortages are becoming a norm in the UK, partly due to disruptions caused by Brexit, such as customs checks and leaving the European Medicines Agency.
What urgent measures will be taken to address the negative impact of Brexit on the supply of medicines?
Andrew Stephenson
The SNP's usual narrative blaming everything on Brexit is dismissed. Medicine shortages are a global issue, and supply chains face complex challenges related to regulation and demand fluctuations.
▸ Assessment & feedback
Specific actions to tackle medicine shortages caused by Brexit were not addressed.
The Snp, As Usual, Is A Broken Record
Response accuracy