FDA says device, drug makers ready for Y2K November 19, 1999 Web posted at: 11:53 AM EST (1653 GMT) WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Consumers should expect ready supplies of pharmaceuticals and glitch-free medical devices when the calendar changes to the Year 2000, the U.S. government said Thursday. The Food and Drug Administration said its surveys found companies that make drugs, biological products and medical devices were well-prepared for the so-called Y2K bug. "We have confidence that there will be an adequate supply of safe and effective pharmaceuticals and biologics for patients," FDA Commissioner Jane Henney said in a statement, "and that medical devices needed by health professionals and their patients will function properly in the year 2000 and beyond." The Y2K problem, short for Year 2000, or millennium bug refers to potential problems when older computers switch from 1999 to 2000 and fail to read the new date accurately, leading to computer errors or failures. Some had feared computer glitches would disrupt companies' production of needed medicines or devices, or interfere with devices that are date-sensitive. The FDA said it surveyed thousands of drug and device makers through a questionnaire, followed with audits of companies deemed most important to confirm the results. "All these surveys and follow-up audits found that manufacturers have taken necessary steps to prepare for Y2K," an FDA statement said. The agency said it plans to continue monitoring manufacturers through the end of the year and into 2000. Copyright 1999 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.