Question reference: S6W-17738
- Asked by: Tess White, MSP for North East Scotland, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Date lodged: 22 May 2023
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Current status: Answered by Michael Matheson on 1 June 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-17148 by Michael Matheson on 2 May 2023, whether it has since become aware of any shortages of radionuclide for bone scans in NHS boards, including NHS Tayside, which have reportedly affected prostate cancer patients who require such scans to check whether their cancer has spread to their bones, and, if so, how it is addressing any such shortages.
Answer
The Scottish Government can confirm there are no known shortages of radionuclides involved in bone scans.
Medicines shortages can arise for various reasons such as difficulties with manufacturing or with the supply of raw materials. The production of medicines is complex and highly regulated, and materials and processes must meet rigorous safety and quality standards. While disruptions in medicine supply can occur, they are often short in nature.