Key Summary
- Middle East conflict risks major NHS medicine shortages within weeks.
- Supply disruption affecting key drugs like paracetamol and aspirin.
- Government urged to stockpile as NHS England faces rising pressure.
NHS and drug manufacturers warn of medicine shortages to occur within weeks if the Middle East conflict does not come to an end.
According to The Telegraph, Medicines UK, which represents the generic medicine manufacturers, has expressed concern about shortages of medicine and paucity of chemicals and solvents used to make active ingredients of medicines.
The Daily states that the NHS will potentially face extreme pressure by June.
The blockade in the Strait of Hormuz has led to the unavailability of petrochemical by-products, resulting in a severe shortage of drugs like paracetamol and aspirin.
Cancer drugs, co-codamol, antibiotics, and stroke-prevention medicines are also in the list.
Although the exact numbers are not available, many manufacturers have told The Daily that they have received only a quarter of their usual volume of medicines after the war began.
NHS England’s head Sir John Mackey earlier expressed his concerns of drug shortage during his chat with LBC radio, during which he also highlighted the unavailability of syringes, gloves and intravenous bags
Pharmacists recommend the government stockpile medicines to avoid supply issues.
The government has responded that it is focusing on enhancing the country’s domestic medicine manufacturing industry to avoid dependence on other countries like India and China.
The focus also involves financial incentives for improved manufacturing, better processes, etc.
The government promises robust actions to tackle the alarming situation.
