GLA group pandemic response

Report: 7
Date: 28 July 2005
By: the Chief Executive & Clerk and Treasurer

Summary

Through Transport for London, sufficient anti viral drugs have been purchased to maintain the essential services provided by the GLA Group of organisations in the event of a flu pandemic. The Authority is asked to agree the MPA’s contribution towards the cost of these drugs and that this be met from underspends on the 2004/05 budget.

A. Recommendation

1. That the MPA agrees to meet its per capita proportion of the purchase cost of anti viral drugs, in the sum of £456,000; and
2. That this cost be met from underspend on the 2004/05 budget.

B. Supporting information

1. Members will be aware from media coverage of growing international concern about the risks of a ‘flu pandemic. The specific concerns have been about Avian flu but any flu pandemic that followed previous experience could affect up to 25% of the population. It would clearly have a severe impact on the economic and social life of London. It would also have a significant and adverse impact on essential public services such as police, transport, and fire services.

2. Whilst the immediate threat of a pandemic is not considered high, and in view of the Greater London Authority’s strategic role, the Mayor has taken the lead in ensuring that the GLA Group, including the MPA, is in a position to minimise the impact on their services of any flu pandemic. A steering group and various project teams (which include MPA and MPS representatives) have been meeting to develop a Pandemic Response Plan. This has not yet been finalised but once it has been published a more detailed report on it will be put to the appropriate MPA committee.

3. Medical treatment is key to the success of the Response Plan. Anti viral drugs provide effective treatment and can be used both for prevention and treatment. Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) is an anti viral drug produced by Roche Products Ltd that can be used for the prevention and treatment of all types of flu. It has been approved by the NICE (the National Institute for Clinical Excellence) in the UK for this purpose. It is the drug being purchased by the Government for the treatment of Avian flu. There is no similar drug on the market.

4. In the event of an outbreak there would be high worldwide demand for anti viral drugs. The Mayor therefore agreed to the purchase of 100,000 doses of Oseltamivir at a cost of 1.5 million Euros (£1.037m at the time the decision was taken). This is sufficient for the maintenance of services both by directly employed staff and through service providers such as bus companies. Transport for London have conducted the procurement process and will store the drugs on behalf of the GLA Group. The Pandemic Response Plan will address how these drugs will be used.

5. It is proposed that cost of purchasing the drugs should be shared between the GLA and the functional bodies based on employee numbers. On this basis the MPA / MPS share of the costs is £456,000 – at approximately £10 a treatment there would be sufficient drugs for all MPS / MPA staff.

C. Race and equality impact

There are no implications in relation to the costs of purchasing the anti viral drugs. The Response Plan will address the diversity implications of how the GLA Group proposes to maintain essential services in the event of a flu pandemic.

D. Financial implications

There is no specific budget for the MPA’s share of this purchase - £456,000. It is proposed to meet this cost from underspend on the 2004/05 budget transferred to reserves.

The immediate priority was to secure a supply of the anti viral drug. There are details to be clarified as to the financial position if the drugs are not used within their four to five year shelf life and sold on or, in the event of a pandemic, if not all 100,000 doses are required and some are sold to other authorities. The Treasurer will clarify these issues through the GLA Finance Officer Group.

E. Background papers

• Mayoral Approval 2140

F. Contact details

Report author: Simon Vile, MPA.

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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