Tuesday, 10 September 2019

 Mr LIMBRICK (South Eastern Metropolitan) (12:38): My question is for the Minister for Health. What is the minister doing to ensure the supply of the drug Parnate for patients? The weekend before last I was contacted by a member of the public regarding a shortage of the drug tranylcypromine sulfate, sold as Parnate, which is used to treat certain psychiatric conditions. The person that contacted me told me that she had been taking Parnate for 20 years, as it was very effective for her condition, but was unable to fill her latest prescription. She had visited numerous pharmacies in her area. After investigation she learned that there was a national shortage of the drug and also a shortage of a similar drug called Nardil. She had less than 11 days supply left. Other Victorians are in a similar situation. I contacted the minister with an urgent communication last Monday and have as yet received no satisfactory response, despite follow-up. The consequences of suddenly going off this drug are severe and can be catastrophic, including self-harm. The clock is ticking.

 Ms MIKAKOS (Northern Metropolitan—Minister for Health, Minister for Ambulance Services) (12:38): I thank the member for his question. My understanding is that correspondence was referred to Minister Foley as the responsible minister; it sits with the mental health portfolio. But I do make the point to the member that issues around drug availability do actually sit with the commonwealth. It is a matter, of course, that I will follow up with Minister Foley to ensure that this patient is able to be contacted by someone with some advice around the particular medication that they are requiring.

 Mr LIMBRICK (South Eastern Metropolitan) (12:39): It is not just one patient; it is a number of patients. I have been investigating on internet forums, and there are lots of patients who are concerned about this. Today is World Suicide Prevention Day. Considering the serious potential harm that could be caused by this drug running out, would the minister consider sending someone on a plane to the US to purchase supplies, as apparently there are still supplies in the US and Canada? Could I humbly suggest reallocating some of the $300 000 that has been earmarked in the budget for free mobile phone charging stations at train stations if you do not have the money. I would volunteer to go personally if you cannot find staff to do this; this is more important than Parliament.

The PRESIDENT: The minister’s answer was that she would pass that on to the mental health minister—

Ms Mikakos: President, I have nothing further to add.

The PRESIDENT: I was going to offer that maybe that comment can supplement what she sends to the minister.