Medical supplies under ‘constant review’ due to war, says Swinney
The First Minister has said medical supplies are being kept under “constant review” due to concerns over the war in Iran causing shortages.
The comments come after the head of the NHS in England raised concerns about medical supplies due to cost implications and supply disruption linked to the war in Iran.
SNP leader John Swinney said he expects to have a conversation with the UK Government on Thursday.
“I expect to have a conversation tomorrow with the UK Government on a four-nations basis about these issues.
“In relation to medicine supplies, the information that was shared with us last night was that there is no short-term concern about medicine supplies.
“But, obviously, this is an evolving picture … I think the best thing I can say at this stage is that we are keeping that under constant review.”
He continued: “I think, to be candid with people, I have to acknowledge that we are in a changing situation and we have to continue more into that, and obviously I will be continuing to engage on this during the course of the next few weeks.”
Health Secretary Neil Gray, the SNP candidate for Airdrie & Shotts, said there was no immediate shortage of medicine due to the war.
He said: “I’m content at the moment. I’m happy that we are where we need to be, with the discussion last night about ensuring that the wider economic impact on the cost of living we are able to monitor and look at.
“We’ve seen the spike in fuel prices and we want to make sure that we’re continuing to deliver the best cost-of-living package for people in Scotland compared to anywhere else in the UK, and that’s what we were focusing on last night.
“But, from a medical perspective, we’re happy with where things are and we’re in dialogue with the UK Government.”
A Government spokesperson said: “The UK Government continues to engage with the devolved governments as we protect families from global shocks caused by the Iran conflict – with wages rising, energy bills falling, fuel duty frozen and prescription prices capped – while working with allies to de‑escalate tensions and bring prices down for the long term.
“There are no shortages of medicines, and we are working closely with industry to monitor risks, maintain buffer stocks and ensure continuity of supply.”