SCOTLAND'S top doctor has written to medical professionals outlining efforts to ensure leaving the EU does not leave Scots with medicine shortages.
Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood, along with Chief Pharmaceutical Officer Dr Rose Marie Parr, wrote to doctors and social care staff to reassure them and set out the support available if issues do arise.
In the case that the UK leaves the EU without an agreement, the Scottish Government says new controls will need to be put in place at the border, which are likely to cause delays to imports and may lead to shortages.
To mitigate such shortages the letter says pharmaceutical firms who import from the EU have been asked to ensure they have at least six weeks' worth of medicines in stock.
Parr and Calderwood also instruct members of the public, GPs, pharmacies and social care providers not to hold their own stockpiles.
Commenting on the letter, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman said: "Brexit is a crisis created by the UK Government, made worse by their refusal to rule out a disastrous no-deal exit.
"The reality is the supply of medicines and medical devices to Scotland will be impacted if the UK leaves the EU without a deal, meaning there is a risk of shortages.
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"As a responsible government we are doing all we can to prepare as much as possible for the consequences of no-deal.
"The joint letter from our Chief Medical Officer and Chief Pharmaceutical Officer sets out clearly what preparations have been made to mitigate as best we can, and provides our health and social care professionals with as much reassurance as possible.
"If the UK leaves the EU without a deal and some shortages occur, the NHS will manage the situation and, if necessary, provide advice on suitable alternatives or other treatment options while supply is restored to normal levels."
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