asked the Minister for Health if he will state, in view of recent reports on the inferior quality and inadequate potency of drugs imported from certain sources, what amount of the drugs purchased from these sources is still in the hands of the local authorities; and whether steps have been taken to withdraw these drugs from distribution through hospitals and otherwise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Imported Drugs.
43.
I presume the Deputy is referring to a press report of 11th April, 1965, which indicated that an antibiotic preparation, imported by a certain firm into Great Britain, had been found to be defective in quality. This firm is associated with an Irish firm of a similar name who are suppliers of a number of drugs for the health services in this country. The particular preparation referred to in the press report is not supplied to the health services here by the Irish firm in question.
Early in February last, in the course of routine tests of products supplied for the health services, an analysis indicated that one of the preparations, phenelzine, being supplied here by the Irish firm referred to previously was not in accordance with standard specifications. On 20th February the firm were asked to cease supplying this drug and, following confirmatory tests, were asked on 16th March, 1965 to withdraw all stocks of the preparation supplied. It was later confirmed that, on 18th idem, the suppliers had taken action accordingly. In addition, my Department has notified health authorities that all unused supplies should be returned to the firm.
I should say that the contract for the supply of this preparation was not held solely by the firm in question. It was shared with a longer-established firm whose product is widely used by the medical profession.
I have no information as to the quantity of drugs, other than phenelzine, supplied by the Irish firm in question which are at present in the hands of local authorities and could obtain it only from them. They, in turn, would have to obtain it from the hospitals, clinics and district medical officers concerned. This would involve an expenditure of time and expense which would not be justified.
In view of the fact that the potency of these drugs is in doubt, is it not a very serious matter that they should be available for serious illnesses? Lives may be lost due to the inadequacy of the potency, as proved by the Irish Pharmaceutical Society in their analysis of the drugs available.
Mr. O'Malley
The implication of the Deputy's question is not correct because he is, I think, referring to a certain preparation in Great Britain about which a report appeared in the Sunday Times. That drug was not available in the health services of this country. So far as the firm to which I have referred earlier is concerned, the position is (1) that so far as its product phenelzine was concerned it was tested and did not meet the standard specification and steps were taken by my Department to ensure that it was withdrawn; (2) there was a satisfactory alternative available.
Drugs were withdrawn by that company without the Department being aware of the fact.
Mr. O'Malley
Is the Deputy asking me or telling me?
I understand they were.