The UK is grappling with an unprecedented medicine shortage in the NHS, with the number of scarce products doubling in two years. Causes include the weakened pound post-Brexit, hindering medicine imports, and a government policy taxing manufacturers.
Patients are experiencing deteriorating conditions due to unavailability of essential medications, spanning epilepsy, cancer, schizophrenia, and type 2 diabetes treatments. The war in Ukraine and global supply chain issues further compound the problem.
The NHS issues price concessions, raising reimbursement to pharmacists amid demand spikes. Concerns arise about the government’s policy limiting NHS spending on branded drugs, impacting pharmaceutical companies’ willingness to supply the UK. The government denies figures from the British Generic Manufacturers Association and emphasises efforts to prevent and address shortages.