At the end of October, Joel James MS met with the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI Cymru) in the Welsh Parliament during their drop-in session.
ABPI Cymru Wales discussed how the pharmaceutical industry is working to secure the future supply of effective antibiotics.
Antimicrobials are a category of medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals, and plants. They include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. Antibiotics are the cornerstone of modern medicine. Not only are they pivotal in the treatment of common infections, but they are essential for many routine healthcare procedures and treatments – including major surgery (such as hip replacement, transplants), caesarean sections, and chemotherapy. Without urgent action, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could end modern medicine as we know it.
At the drop-in session, Joel was able to ask questions to experts from the ABPI and discuss how the Welsh Government is working with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the NHS across the other three nations on the novel antibiotic purchasing project to combat antimicrobial resistance.
It is hoped that the project will incentivise pharmaceutical manufacturers to prioritise the development of antimicrobial medicines in the future, with Wales at the forefront in supporting this fundamental commitment.
Speaking about the session, Joel said:
It was great to have linked up recently with the ABPI Cymru in the Welsh Parliament to discuss concerns related to Antimicrobial Resistance and securing the future supply of effective antibiotics.
It's worrying to think about the impact that our reliance on Antibiotics is having, and it's crucial that the Welsh Government plays its part within a wider UK context and help to develop the next 5-year AMR National Action Plan.
