Dear CAMRT Members,
As per the MSWG Isotope Communications Protocol, this message is to let you know that a temporary halt of production has occurred at the NTP reactor in South Africa. Through contacts with, and communications from, the Association of Imaging Producers & Equipment Suppliers (AIPES), we have learned that the situation is a result of a regulatory issue. According to AIPES, the operators of NTP have submitted required documentation to their regulator and are waiting to hear back on an approval to restart production. It remains unclear at this time exactly when this approval will be granted.
Through the AIPES Emergency Response Team (ERT) producers and suppliers are working collaboratively to mitigate the situation however, attention to efficient usage of medical isotopes is highly recommended at this time. For your reference, a link to the Supply Management Application to Rank Uses of Technetium-99m (The “S.M.A.R.T.” Tool) is noted here https://www.cadth.ca/SMART-Tool
The Government of Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is in communication with the AIPES. We will keep you informed as we receive updated information. We would like to request that if your organization’s supply of medical isotopes is impacted by this event that you let us know as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Christopher Topham, Director of Advocacy and Communications at ctopham@camrt.ca.
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