Pandemic ready?
Coronavirus has shone a stark spotlight on the issues that still need to be resolved in the negotiations between the UK and EU before the end of 2020, when the post-Brexit transition period ends. The Brexit Health Alliance wants to see agreement in the following health-related areas so that the NHS is as well equipped as possible to fight pandemics in future.
The infographic highlights potential agreements in a number of health-related areas:
- Mutual recognition of regulatory standards for medicines and medical supplies such as personal protective equipment and ventilators, so that supplies reach patients and staff as fast as possible.
- Exchange of data and alerts on upcoming health threats between the UK and EU, for maximum preparedness.
- Minimum customs and tariff barriers on importing and exporting medicines and medical equipment.
- UK and EU citizens’ right to cross-border healthcare and benefits, to minimise staff shortages and relieve pressure on health and care sector.
- Rapid authorisation systems for the supply and marketing of drugs and vaccines.
- Collaboration in research and testing of new drugs and vaccines, sharing expertise and data.
The infographic is published alongside a new briefing from the BHA:
The briefing highlights how the outcome of the EU-UK future relationship negotiations could affect the UK’s ability to manage another pandemic, and calls for several specific measures to protect public health and wellbeing across the UK and the EU.
