NEWS


UK haS £200M BlacK MarKEt In PrEScrIPtIon drUgS


the Medicines and healthcare regulatory agency (Mhra) has revealed that an extensive ‘network of criminality’ involving businesses such as wholesale dealers and a small number of registered pharmacies throughout the UK is responsible for millions of prescription-only drugs being siphoned off from chemists and wholesalers and being sold illegally at a huge mark-up.


Mhra’s investigation has revealed that, between 2013 and 2016, an estimated £115-200m of medicines were diverted from the legitimate supply chain onto the criminal market, putting thousands of vulnerable people at risk.


the investigation comes on the back of an independent review into dependence and addiction to prescription drugs, which was recently announced by the department of health and Social care, and which highlighted the scale of the problem. the review will be looking into the results of a recent home office survey, which found that 7.6 per cent of adults had taken a prescription-only painkiller not prescribed to them.


Mhra’s main focus in its investigation was prescription-only medicines, such as benzodiazepines and anxiolytics including diazepam and zopiclone, as well as the painkiller tramadol. It’s thought that such drugs, which normally cost around £1 wholesale, are being sold by criminals for anywhere up to £40.


‘these medicines,’ said an Mhra statement, ‘are being sold through websites acting illegally, and people should be careful when buying medicines online. criminals are known to exploit vulnerable people by selling medicines through unregulated websites and stealing their credit card details.’


‘Selling medicines outside of the regulated supply chain is a serious criminal offence,’ said alastair Jeffrey, Mhra head of Enforcement, ‘and we are working relentlessly with regulatory and law enforcement colleagues to identify and prosecute all those involved in this activity.


4 - PharMacy In focUS Sangers aah Md to retire


celesio UK has announced the retirement of Peter Surgenor, managing director of Sangers aah in Belfast.


Peter, who has managed the Sangers and aah Belfast business units since the acquisition of United drug Sangers by celesio in July 2016, worked for Sangers for 33 years prior to the acquisition by celesio and had held the position of managing director since 2005.


‘Peter has played a key role in managing the transition to Sangers


aah,’ said catherine Mcdermott, operations director of celesio UK, ‘and I want to thank him for the commitment he has shown during this time. Peter has been integral to the pharmacy industry for so many years. he has numerous relationships across the sector – in northern Ireland and beyond – as well as many friendships with customers, suppliers and colleagues. I know they will join with me in wishing him a very happy retirement.


‘Peter leaves the business at the end of July. the search for a successor has


Peter Surgenor


started and we will make an announcement once we have made an appointment.’


new approach to no Smoking day!


this no Smoking day, the Public health agency, community Pharmacy nI and the Ulster chemists’ association will be collaborating with all of the pharmacy-based Stop Smoking Services in northern Ireland to highlight the high quality, free Stop Smoking Services being offered locally.


With 20 per cent of the population in northern Ireland currently smoking, and in light of the impact this has on future quality of life for these individuals and their families, it is important to use every opportunity to


promote these services in an engaging and interactive way. this year, Pha is piloting a new approach, with 25 pharmacies hosting enhanced no Smoking day events to test whether this helps to increase footfall to Stop Smoking Services.


Key learning points will be shared with all pharmacy providers and, if the pilot proves successful, will be used to shape plans for no Smoking day 2019. (See the next edition of Pharmacy in Focus for a full update on No Smoking Day events).


numark Md recognised at awards ceremony


a special presentation was made to retiring numark Md, John d’arcy, by Uca President, cliff McElhinney, at the recent Pharmacy in focus awards.


‘during his time as nPa chief Executive,’ cliff said, ‘John worked very proactively with the Ulster chemists’ association, forging a close relationship between the two organisations. When he became Managing director of numark, his support for northern Ireland continued.


‘John has been a leader for community pharmacy, not afraid to challenge us, but always there to support us. I would like to thank John for his commitment, friendship and support for community pharmacy in northern Ireland and to wish him very well in his retirement.’


John D’Arcy, Numark, Eamonn Holmes and Cliff McElhinney, Ulster Chemists’ Association


turn to page 28 for the complete list of award recipients at the recent Pharmacy in focus awards.


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