Web Alert: MCA Saftey Alert - Imported liferaft medicines and medical devices

Members are advised that the UK Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) in conjunction with the (UK based) Medicines and Healthcare product Regulatory Agency (MHRA) have issued warnings concerning the status of medical devices/medicines contained in imported liferafts. Both agencies are concerned that some imported liferafts may contain unlicensed imported medicines manufactured in China which are not authorised for use in the UK.

Suppliers of imported liferafts have been asked to conduct a check on at least one of their liferafts (from each non-UK supplier) to confirm the status of the medical devices/medicines contained within it.

Any member that is concerned about the status of the medical devices/medicines in their liferafts should contact the liferaft supplier or service station who serviced or sold/rented the life raft to them for clarification.

The MHRA has provided the following pieces of advice concerning this problem:

• Liferafts containing unauthorised medicines or medical devices should be returned to the supplier so that the materials may be disposed of at an approved pharmaceutical waste disposal site;
• Persons who have used medicines or medical devices from a liferaft’s medical kit and who are concerned should contact a medical healthcare professional for advice.

To view the full official UK government press release on this matter please click here.