§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State, Department for International Development what schemes exist for sending unused medicines from the United Kingdom to Third World countries; and if he will make a statement. [129528]
§ Hilary BennThe UK Government are committed to increasing access to medicines in the developing world. The factors recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) that can improve poor people's access are; affordable pricing, sustainable financing, reliable health and supply systems and the rational selection and use of existing drugs. Appropriate donations of medicines can play a useful role, including through the use of UK's tax relief on drug donations, although country-level procurement of affordable medicines is likely to be more sustainable in the long term.
370WThe Department of Health is aware of a recent proposal from a medical aid charity who supply medicines to Africa and is exploring a number of related issues connected to the scheme.
The proposed scheme does not comply with the quality recommendations in the Guidelines for Drug Donations issued by the WHO and the Department of Health is seeking further advice from WHO on this aspect.
There are also legal and ethical issues in which the Department of Health will be seeking the advice of the WHO where necessary.