Guidance on countermeasures against new strains of influenza for business continuity in the pharmaceutical industry
July 16, 2008
In preparation for a global pandemic of a new influenza strain, the "Guidance for Pharmaceutical Companies on New Influenza Pandemic Preparedness for Business Continuity" has been compiled to provide guidance for pharmaceutical companies on the measures they should take.
Pharmaceutical companies have a social responsibility to continue supplying medicines to treat and prevent the spread of infection during an influenza pandemic.
The guidance conforms to the "Guidelines for New Influenza Preparedness at Businesses and Workplaces" established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the "Business Continuity Plan for the International Pharmaceutical Industry" formulated by the IFPMA (International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations), and includes measures to prevent infection of employees before a new influenza outbreak, immediately after an outbreak, and during the spread of infection The guidance also provides measures to be taken in the event of an emergency situation, such as preparations before an outbreak of a new influenza strain, immediately after an outbreak, and measures to prevent infection of employees during the spread of infection.
The Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association of Japan (PMAJ) will continue to implement the guidance by establishing a task force under the Planning and Policy Council and by collaborating with related organizations and government agencies to prepare a collection of Q&A on countermeasures and other concrete measures.