Research shows that nearly half of UK adults have had difficulty getting medicine prescribed to them. The situation is attributed more to Brexit rather than any other factor.
49 per cent of respondents said that they had difficulty getting a prescription filled in the last two years. This is the time period when supply issues have risen sharply.
One in twelve Britons was unable to locate the medication that they needed despite visiting several pharmacies.
Opinium, for the British Generic Manufacturers Association, conducted a survey of 2,028 people who represent the population.
One in twelve (8%) people have not been able to get a medicine because it is difficult to get.
Thirty one percent of people found that the medication they needed was not in stock at their local pharmacy.
23 percent of pharmacies lacked the medications they needed.
When asked to explain why there were so many shortages, the UK’s exit from the EU was cited more often (36%) than the inflation rate (33%) or the global conflict and instabilities (26%).
Mark Samuels, chief executive of BGMA (which represents companies that produce generic – or non-patent – drugs), said: “Shortages can be deeply worrying for the physical health of patients, along with the stress of not being able to know if a medicine essential will be available.” The BGMA represents firms who produce generic – or off-patent – drugs, which make up 80% of the NHS drugs used in the UK.
Samuels said that “the Brexit agreement is one of the many factors contributing to the issue.”
“For instance, medicines produced here cannot be exported to Europe. However, those manufactured on the continent may be brought here. This has no incentive for the UK to increase its manufacturing capacity, which could be used to help reduce shortages.
Since the beginning of 2022, the number of drugs that are in short supply has increased. This month, the number of such products has risen to 100. In January 2022 there were 52. These include HRT, antidepressants, antibiotics, and medications for ADHD and epilepsy as well as cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis.
The BGMA, citing statistics compiled by Department of Health and Social Care, said that in October 2023 there were 111 drugs in short supply, a record. Drug supply issues are a worldwide phenomenon. Some UK shortages will not be resolved until next year.
Only last month, the NHS Business Services Authority issued four “serious shortfall protocol” notices. Two of them are related to clarithromycin. This antibiotic is used to treat bacterial infection such as cellulitis, pneumonia and ear infections.
The 87 generics that are difficult or impossible to obtain have been out of stock for over six months, and for 23 years.
Samuels stated that recent governments have contributed to the issue by showing “complacency towards the off-patent medicine industry, despite the fact that it supplies four out of five NHS prescribed drugs”.
He added that “the next administration must have a plan in place to encourage businesses to see the UK’s supply as a top priority.” Otherwise, the shortage will continue.
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