It sure sounds sinister to me. Have to womder if this type of manipulation of pharmaceuticals has been going on all along, and we were unaware.Something else is troublesome. On Oct 19,2009 the EPDA posted a news article about the shortages ...
"Starting in late 2009 and continuing into 2011 Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited (MSD) will experience a significant global supply shortage of SINEMET® and SINEMET CR® (carbidopa-levodopa controlled release)...."

Today, nearly 4 months later the BBC reports: "The Royal Pharmaceutical Society says urgent action is needed and that patients' lives are being put at risk.

It says UK pharmacies face increasing shortages of over 40 well-known drugs used to treat conditions like cancer, high blood pressure and epilepsy.

Ministers have promised an emergency summit into the issue.The problem seems to be caused by the weak pound which makes it more profitable to sell medicines abroad....

and "The Department of Health has promised an emergency summit next month to look into the issue. " http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8516080.stm

Just wondering why it wasn't until now that its being considered an emergency? What were those responsible for public health doing since the first annoncement?