A WOMAN from Carmarthenshire, concerned that Britain will crash out of the EU with no deal, has resorted to stockpiling her medicines.
Rebecca (Pseudonym), 26, who is a civil servant with type 1 Diabetes, has created a six month surplus of her life-saving Insulin.
The Welsh Government has condemned such behaviour, citing stockpiling creates an ‘unnecessary pressure’ on the system.
The Department of Health have said they have created a contingency plan for a no deal Brexit by compiling their own stockpile of six weeks worth of drugs for the public.
Defending her decision, Rebecca has said she fears a no-deal Brexit will cause disruptions at UK borders from March, as her prescription medicines are produced by European drug companies.
Insulin is a life-saving medication for those who have diabetes.
Rebecca adds that she has been keeping a month back of her medication each time she gets her prescription filled, but she can’t create too much of a surplus as she only has a certain amount of space in her fridge.
With Britain due to leave the EU at the end of March and no deal being agreed, her condition will be affected not just by medication shortage, but also by food price rises due to UK’s food safety standards.
As she is not in a position to eat processed foods due to the sugar content, she must sustain a diet of lots of fruits and vegetables.
Andrew Evans, Welsh Government’s chief pharmaceutical officer, has said that stockpiling could prevent someone else from getting the medications that they require.
He said: “There is absolutely no need for people to stockpile.
“Stockpiling is unnecessary and could compromise the plans being implemented by the UK government, reducing the availability of medicines for patients in other areas of Wales of the UK.”
Suzanne Thomas, chairman of the Welsh Pharmacy Board has hit back at patients who stockpile, said that it will deplete the main supply.
“Our advice to patients is to continue their medication orders as they are usually prescribed.
“If you have any concerns about your medications, talk to your community pharmacist or practice pharmacist.”
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