Pharmacists in England are sounding alarm bells about critical shortages of drugs, warning that patients are at immediate risk of harm and even death.
The situation has become so severe that pharmacists often have to tell patients they can only provide part of their prescribed medication and ask them to return later for the rest.
According to Community Pharmacy England (CPE), hundreds of different drugs have become difficult or impossible to obtain. The shortages, which are widespread and often long-lasting, pose immediate risks to patient health and well-being.
Janet Morrison, CEO of CPE, described the situation as “beyond critical,” emphasizing that patients with various clinical needs are affected daily. She warned that not having access to necessary medicines could have serious consequences, even requiring visits to the emergency room.
Recent months have seen shortages of key medicines for treating conditions like type 2 diabetes, ADHD, and epilepsy. Last year, shortages affected medications like HRT, adrenaline, and antibiotics.
James Davies, director for England at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, noted that these shortages disrupt treatment for some patients and destabilize their health.
CPE’s findings, based on a survey of pharmacy owners and staff, revealed alarming statistics:
79% of pharmacy staff believe medicine shortages endanger patient health.
91% of pharmacy owners have seen a significant increase in shortages since last year.
99% of pharmacy workers encounter unavailable drugs at least weekly, with 72% facing this issue several times a day.
Pharmacists are also facing abuse and hostility from frustrated patients. Fin McCaul, an independent pharmacy owner, described instances of patients being angry and even spitting at staff.
Global supply and manufacturing problems, along with low medicine prices, are contributing factors. Brexit has exacerbated the situation, with the Nuffield Trust think tank warning that shortages have become the “new normal.”
Mark Dayan, Brexit program lead at the Nuffield Trust, highlighted the unprecedented level of medicine shortages since 2021, worsened by Brexit-related obstacles.
While shortages affect various medications, critical drugs like insulin and salbutamol remain in short supply, impacting patients with conditions like type 1 diabetes and asthma.
A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged supply challenges but emphasized that the majority of licensed medicines remain in good supply. They noted that supply issues can arise for various reasons and are not unique to the UK.
