NHS Scotland plans to replace two products currently made in Belarus
Two products in NHS Scotland’s supply chain which are made in Belarus may be replaced over the ongoing war in Ukraine.
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) said it is seeking alternatives without having a negative impact on patient care.
There are no products in the supply chain which are made in Russia, and no health boards are supplied gas or electricity by Russian majority state-owned Gazprom, NSS said.
A spokesperson for the Scottish Government said they were not aware of any other NHS Scotland contracts with Russian or Belarusian firms, but added that all health boards were reviewing their supply chains.
The majority of mainland health boards separately confirmed they had no further contracts with Russian or Belarusian companies. NHS Ayrshire and Arran and NHS Dumfries and Galloway did not respond in time.
NSS director of national procurement Gordon Beattie said “At the present time we have identified only two products across our national contract portfolio that are manufactured in Belarus. We are currently reviewing alternative supply options whilst ensuring no direct impact on patient care.”
Belarus has been accused of supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and is one of only five countries not to sign a United Nations resolution condemning it.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “All health boards are currently reviewing their supply chains to determine whether they have any suppliers from these countries, so they can begin to put alternative arrangements in place.
“We are not aware of any other NHS Scotland contracts with Russian and Belarusian suppliers other than the suppliers identified by NHS National Services Scotland.”
The government has also urged Scottish businesses to stop trading with Russia.
In an open letter published last week, finance and economy secretary Kate Forbes said: “Businesses will be supported as they adapt to remove links with Russia, and should contact our economic agencies for more advice and support in this regard.”