HHS and Y2K
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
A memorandum entitled "HHS Progress in Health-Related Y2K Issues," penned by HHS Deputy Secretary Kevin Thurm, maintains that "prescription and nonprescription drugs will be available during the Year 2000 transition period." The Aug. 31 memo to HHS employees notes industry normally has a 90-day supply available and already has back-up plans for events such as bad weather and transportation delays. However, all priority drug manufacturers will be assessed, he states, as well as a random sampling of non-priority manufacturers. Regarding infant formula and medical foods, Thurm says manufacturers have been contacted and began submitting self assessments and contingency plans to FDA in mid-July