Patients in England face worsening medicine shortages
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 1
Patients in England face worsening medicine shortages
7 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 1
April saw a record 210 drugs on the price concessions list, while 1,500 High Street pharmacies have closed since 2017 and 27 more this year.
Patients with epilepsy, Parkinson's, ADHD and heart conditions report delays, repeated pharmacy searches and health risks, as pharmacists say NHS reimbursement often remains below fast-rising wholesale prices.
Industry groups warn the system is too slow and the UK too low-paying to secure resilient supplies; the government says most licensed medicines remain available and reimbursement can be adjusted.
Is England’s medicine crisis a result of global turmoil, or a flawed payment system pushing pharmacies to the brink?
Why must UK pharmacies sell vital medicines at a loss while a new US deal promises billions for new drugs?
With local pharmacies closing at a record rate, who will be left to dispense essential NHS medicines for millions?