29 Jan 09
The Government is to double the UK's stockpile of antiviral drugs for pandemic flu after announcing it is to buy 10.6 million courses of Relenza (zanamivir) and 7.6 million more doses of Tamiflu (oseltamivir).
The extra capacity is expected to be in place by April 2009 and will mean there will be 33.5 million treatment courses of antiviral drugs available.
Public health minister Dawn Primarolo said the move would re-inforce the UK's position as' one of the best prepared countries in the world ', with enough drugs available to treat everyone who would be expected to fall ill in a pandemic.
Dr David Heymann, Assistant Director-General for Health Security and Environment at the World Health Organization, said stockpiling a second drug, GlaxoSmithKline's Relenza (zanamivir), in addition to Tamiflu (oseltamivir) was sensible.
He said: 'Purchasing enough antivirals to treat the worst case attack rate scenario, and two different antivirals in case resistance develops, is a first class example of the UK's advanced planning.'
Today's announcement follows new guidance to GPs released earlier this month by the BMA and RCGP and supported by the Department of Health.
It advised that GP surgeries' buddy up 'with neighbouring practices. Practices would also come under the direct control of PCTs in the event of an outbreak of pandemic flu.
The Government first announced plans to double stockpiles of antivirals and purchase a second drug in its November 2007 flu pandemic strategy.
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