Urgent warning over shortages of life-saving drugs: Damning report reveals patients are at risk because of Britain's 'broken' medicine supply chain... so are stocks of YOUR meds running low? (Daily Mail)
The Daily Mail say:
"The Government has been urged to carry out a review of the UK's 'broken' medicine supply chain as costs soar and patients are left in pain.
Experts described shortages of the likes of painkillers, antibiotics and epilepsy drugs as a 'shocking development' that is also piling pressure GPs and pharmacists."
Louise Ansari, chief executive at Healthwatch England says:
“This report supports our research, which suggests that almost a quarter of people who used a pharmacy service last year experienced shortages when trying to get medicine, with women being more affected than men. Shortages of vital medication can have a detrimental impact on people’s condition, and their lives.
“We are calling on the Government to carry out a review of the medicine supply chain to ensure medicine safety and resilience. Where safe to do so and in collaboration with patients, pharmacy teams should be given the flexibility to make changes to the medicines they dispense.
“Government and NHS England should better communicate serious shortage protocols to GP and pharmacy staff; and patients should be kept informed about shortages, and be given clear advice on what to do if they can’t get their medication.”
The full Daily Mail article is available to read here.
