Protocol planned to avoid medicine shortages

Local pharmacists work as a community and share stock to ensure medicines are available Island-wide.

That's according to government which says over the past 18 months, the UK and Isle of Man have experienced shortages of some medicines.

Although the UK Government has given reassurances medicines supply is among its highest priorities and measures are in place to closely monitor stock levels.

Manx government says its  planning ahead and addressing a meds shortage scenario through the introduction of a Serious Shortage Protocol (SSP). 

It's a measure which can be implemented in exceptional circumstances by the Department for Health and Social Care - an order to facilitate this will be brought to Tynwald this month.