Government requesting flu drug stockpiles

The Government is attempting to secure a guaranteed supply of antibiotics for the country in the event of an influenza pandemic.

Minister of Health Pete Hodgson said the government drug funding agency Pharmac would contact pharmaceutical suppliers today to request proposals for the antibiotic supply effort.

"We know that in the 1918 influenza pandemic, most deaths were caused by secondary bacterial infections," Pete Hodgson said.

"Taking this step early will put us ahead of the curve as demand for antibiotics are expected to spike dramatically if a pandemic is declared."

The World Health Organisation has warned there is a high risk of the bird flu which is now spreading in the northern hemisphere mutating to a virulent human influenza.

This could lead to a global pandemic and would mean an estimated 1.6 million people could fall ill in New Zealand.

Two per cent -- or 33,000 -- of those who fall ill would be expected to die.

National's health spokesman Tony Ryall welcomed the stockpiling of antibiotics but said the announcement was a U-turn by the minister and called for a multi-party approach to the planning.

"National proposed this some weeks ago in Parliament. But sadly, Mr Hodgson dismissed the suggestion," Mr Ryall said.

"This shows what could be achieved from a multi-party approach to pandemic planning. We have been seeking such an approach and are waiting for his call."

Mr Hodgson said it was important to stress that it was not certain that a pandemic would occur in the near future and or how a possible pandemic would affect people.

Due to the uncertainty involved in the planning process, Pharmac was seeking proposals that addressed a number of possible scenarios, he said.

One important issue to address was the possibility that antibiotic supplies might expire before they were needed, Mr Hodgson said.

Pharmac was also asking suppliers to address how antibiotics could be packaged for easy distribution, given the likely pressures the health workforce would face during a pandemic.

"New Zealanders can be assured that planning is well-advanced. The Government is working with businesses and communities throughout New Zealand to identify all the steps we can take now to make sure we are ready when and if a pandemic occurs," Mr Hodgson said.

Pharmac has estimated that securing a supply would cost between $6 million and $10 million.

Proposals are due by January 10. Pharmac will then develop those proposals with the companies to try and reach supply agreements by March.

- NZPA