B.C.’s Ministry of Health is working to maintain full services after a fire at a Quebec drug-manufacturing plant halted production for at least a week.
Canada-wide shortages of the drugs morphine, hydromorphone and fentanyl are expected as a result of a fire at Sandoz Canada.
The B.C. government said in a statement late Wednesday that they are “exploring” securing international supplies from sources such as the France, Ireland, Germany and the U.S.
The Ministry of Health estimates that the decreased supply of some drugs could last as long as 18 months.
Deborah Dunn-Roy, an executive director with Health Shared Services BC, said Thursday that Sandoz is committed to fulfilling the province’s needs. “Sandoz has indicated to us that they will be able to meet the commitments they had made prior to the fire,” Dunn-Roy said.
The Ministry of Health is preparing to deal with any possible shortages, saying that if shortages become too severe, B.C. hospitals may have to delay certain elective procedures.
The fire comes shortly after Sandoz reduced production after a warning from the U.S. FDA that standards were not being met.
Local news from metronews.ca/vancouver
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