Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Supply of Radioisotopes

28 October 2024 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Karin Smyth Lab Bristol South

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

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At a glance

Key points

  • The UK is experiencing a severe shortage of radioisotopes essential for cancer diagnosis and organ imaging.
  • Global disruptions in the production of molybdenum-99 are causing the shortage.
  • The Department and NHS England are prioritizing critical patients and issuing guidance for hospitals to share supplies.

Issue summary

The UK is facing a severe shortage of radioisotopes used for diagnosing cancers and imaging organ function, caused by a global disruption in the production of molybdenum-99.

Action requested

My Department and NHS England are working closely with suppliers to support the allocation of available deliveries and ensure equitable access across the UK. They are also prioritizing critical patients and issuing guidance for hospitals to share supplies.

Key facts

  • The shortage is due to a temporary reduction in molybdenum-99 production.
  • There are six trusted research reactors globally for molybdenum-99 supply, none of which are in the UK.
  • Two impacted reactors are expected to restart production during the second week of November with deliveries resuming mid-November.
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