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Iraq and Afghanistan: Medical Suppliers

Volume 461: debated on Wednesday 20 June 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what mechanisms are in place to monitor the provision of medicine and medical supplies to armed forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. (142968)

Highly effective procedures are in place, at all levels of the Ministry of Defence, to monitor the provision of medicine and medical supplies to deployed forces.

Specialist medical supply staff are deployed in both theatres to monitor usage on the ground and ensure timely and accurate re-supply demands to the UK base.

There are also specialist medical officers in the headquarters in both Iraq and Afghanistan and part of their role is to oversee the provision of medical supplies. Similarly, there are medical personnel within the permanent joint headquarters to advise senior commanders on medical matters, including if necessary, the provision of supplies.

Medical supplies are given a high priority and, in the case of medicines, are always transported by the fastest means.