Tuesday30June,10.00,committee room
6, Palace ofWestminster
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.
The VMD published itsfirstinspections 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
ofprescriptiononlymedicinesvia social media and other
non-authorised retailers.The 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.
With 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.
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.
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 urgedthat changes must not create pressure on
vets to prescribe cheaper medicines rather than those
clinicallyappropriate. It also warned that requiring written
prescriptions for ongoing treatments could increase the risk of
misuse and prescription fraud.
The 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.
Witnessesfrom10.00:
- Abigail Seager, Chief Executive Officer, VMD
- Lea Reynolds, Head of Policy Development and Delivery,
VMD
- Dr Suzanne Eckford BVSc MRCVS, Head of International Office,
VMD
