Health Minister Robin Swann, along with the Department’s Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Cathy Harrison, has visited Sangers AAH warehouse facilities in Belfast to see the extensive preparations they have put in place in preparation for the end of the EU Exit Transition Period.
Health Minister Robin Swann said: “My Department’s priority has always been to maintain the ongoing supply of medicines and medical products to the people of Northern Ireland (NI) throughout the current pandemic and following the end of the Transition Period in January 2021. My visit to Sangers AAH in Belfast has allowed me to see first-hand the exceptional preparations they have put in place in preparation for the end of the EU Exit Transition Period. I welcome all the work Sangers AAH have done and continue to do in preparation for the end of the Transition Period and would like to thank them for their very proactive engagement with officials in my Department.
“I recognise that there is still some uncertainty around the negotiations between the UK Government and EU Commission and a ‘no deal’ exit is still possible. However, I understand that the pharmaceutical and wholesaling industries have been preparing for that scenario for the last few years with well-planned and detailed contingencies.”
The Chief Pharmaceutical Officer, Cathy Harrison added: “I would also like to recognise the tremendous contribution that Sangers AAH and other local wholesalers have made during the Covid-19 response this year. It’s been a difficult year for everyone and the daily commitment and dedication shown by staff within the medical supply chain has provided essential support for our patients and frontline community pharmacies and hospitals.”