As of November 27, 2017, there had been a temporary halt of production at the NTP reactor in South Africa. Through contacts with, and communications from, the Association of Imaging Producers & Equipment Suppliers (AIPES) and South Africa, we have learned that the situation is a result of a regulatory issue. At the request of the regulators, NTP has developed an action plan to rectify the situation and has already put new measures in place. The regulators are currently in the process of reviewing this action plan and it is expected that production will resume shortly.
The Government of Canada has been informed that only limited shortages are expected this coming week. Producers and suppliers are working collaboratively to mitigate the situation however, attention to efficient usage of medical isotopes is highly recommended at this time. The Government of Canada is monitoring the situation closely and is in communication with the AIPES. Information will be updated as received.
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
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