MPs will question the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) on its enforcement against counterfeit drugs, maintaining access to medicines in Northern Ireland and policies to improve consumer choice and price transparency.
\r\nThe VMD published its\u202Ffirst\u202Finspections and enforcement report in March. It found a 700% increase in reports of counterfeit flea and tick treatments, and ongoing concerns about black market sales of\u202Fprescription‑only\u202Fmedicines\u202Fvia social media and other non-authorised retailers.\u202FThe cross-party Committee is likely to ask witnesses (full details below) about the scale of the problem, their engagement with social media companies, and their ability to stay on top of the illegal trade.
\r\nWith the VMD covering both Britain and Northern Ireland, it simultaneously oversees two distinct regulatory regimes due to NI still being covered by EU law. MPs may ask what challenges this complexity poses to the organisation, including as it deals faces resourcing and recruitment difficulties in specialist subjects.
","secondaryDescription":"The panel is also likely to be asked about access to veterinary medicines in NI amid reports that access is currently being propped up by limited stockpiles. A House of Lords Committee said shortages would pose serious risks to both animal and public health. There are also concerns of some lower-strength antibiotics being substituted for higher-strength versions because of cost and access issues, which could increase risks of anti-microbial resistance.
\r\n\u202F MPs will be interested to hear the VMD’s thoughts on a 2023 Competition and Markets Authority report that made recommendations on improving price transparency and consumer choice. The VMD broadly welcomed the report but urged\u202Fthat changes must not create pressure on vets to prescribe cheaper medicines rather than those clinically\u202Fappropriate. It also warned that requiring written prescriptions for ongoing treatments could increase the risk of misuse and prescription fraud.
\r\nThe VMD has a range of roles, including monitoring and acting on reports of adverse events from veterinary medicines; testing for residues of veterinary medicines or illegal substances in animals and animal products; authorising companies to sell veterinary medicines; and controlling how veterinary medicines are made and distributed.
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