The Pharmaceutical Journal Vol 264 No 7101 p899
June 17, 2000 News

Parliamentary group tackles Minister over EHC

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on pharmacy has put four questions to the Minister for Public Health (Ms Yvette Cooper) to try to find out what the Government's attitude is towards the availability of emergency hormonal contraception from pharmacies. Following the group's second meeting on the topic (PJ, May 20, p747), its chairman (Dr Howard Stoate, Lab, Dartford) wrote to say: "It is clear to us that such pilot trials are proving highly effective in meeting demand for EHC quickly and safely and with active professional input. We are concerned that in most parts of the country, where EHC trials are not operating, that demand has to be met in other, less efficient, ways, such as through general medical practitioner appointments." Dr Stoate wanted to know whether the Government agreed that EHC should be made available nationally through community pharmacies as soon as possible. Then he asked what plans the Government had to ensure that cost did not become a barrier to access if products were reclassified as pharmacy medicines.

Will price be a barrier, the group asks

Thirdly, because raising awareness of the product's availability would be essential to achieving widespread access, Dr Stoate asked how the Government proposed to work with relevant groups to ensure an effective communications programme.
Finally, he raised the issue of confusion among health authorities over the legality of supplying prescription products under group protocols. Different health authorities had received differing legal advice over Section 55 of the Medicines Act 1968 and whether "written directions" had to be patient specific or could apply to groups of patients. Because of their legal advice, some health authorities which had money for pharmacy EHC trials using protocols had been unable to proceed.
"Whether or not EHC is reclassified - and given the Committee on Safety of Medicines's advice it seems likely that it will be - our prime concern is to ensure the best possible access to this product for those who need it," Dr Stoate wrote. "Widespread access needs to be accompanied by the availability of expert professional advice from community pharmacies. We do not wish to see intrusive interviewing or physical examination of clients, but nor do we wish to see this product available without any professional supervision whatever."
Dr Stoate suggested that the Minister might like to speak at a meeting of the group, rather than reply in writing.