E.U. says Northern Ireland to get medicines at the same time as rest of the U.K.
The European Commission today, i.e., Friday, December 17, 2021, proposed that medicines will continue to be available in Northern Ireland (NI) at the same time as in the rest of United Kingdom (U.K.)
The proposal ensures continued long-term supply of medicines from Great Britain to NI and addresses outstanding supply concerns in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta. The European Commission has been engaging intensively with citizens, industry and other business representatives in the European Union (E.U.) and U.K. for finding a solution to the availability of medicines in NI.
Prior to this, there had been several talks between Vice-President for Interinstitutional Relations and Foresight, E.U. – Maroš Šefčovič and the Cabinet Office Minister, U.K. – David Frost. The two extensively discussed the issues faced by the stakeholders.
Taking it to twitter, the European Commission tweeted,
Today, we have put forward proposals to ensure the continued supply of medicines to Northern Ireland.
— European Commission 🇪🇺 (@EU_Commission) December 17, 2021
Everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to the same medicines at the same time as elsewhere in the UK while ensuring that the integrity of our Single Market is protected.
Speaking on the occasion, Šefčovič said, “I promised to do whatever it takes to ensure the continued supply of medicines to Northern Ireland, even more so in light of these challenging times of the pandemic. Today, we are turning this genuine commitment to the people of Northern Ireland into a lasting solution, based on our extensive outreach to all relevant stakeholders. I am convinced that the issue of medicines shows that the EU and the UK can work together for stability and prosperity of all communities in Northern Ireland.”
As per the new amended proposal, generic medicines (such as paracetamol) can be authorised under national U.K. procedures, in compliance with E.U. rules on medicines. People in NI will have access to these medicines at the same time as people in the rest of the U.K. People in NI will also have access to innovative life-saving medicines at the same time as any other person in the UK.
All regulatory functions remain in the U.K. if they are currently located there. Medicines coming from U.K. does not require batch testing if it has been done in Great Britain or the E.U. No manufacturing authorisation or import licenses are needed for medicines supplied, subject to certain conditions.
The proposal will now be sent to European Parliament and the European Council as soon as all linguistic versions are available. The Commission urges the co-legislators to start work on these proposals as soon as possible.
