Pharmacy shortages worsen as drugs sold abroad

Patients’ groups have said it is “unacceptable” that so many pharmacies have shortages of drugs.

At least 80% of pharmacies are often unable to immediately supply drugs, with almost all having to spending hours trying to locate them from wholesalers and other retailers. Many blame the export of so many drugs for sale abroad.

The survey of 396 Lloydspharmacy pharmacists found that 98% think the shortages are hitting patients. Around half are losing three hours a week dealing with the stock shortages.

Patients Association chief executive Katherine Murphy said: “Having access to medicines prescribed by your doctor when you need them is a basic right.”

Neal Patel, from the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: “The supply chain needs to be sensitive to the needs of both patients and pharmacists and flexible enough to cope with the rapid changes in demand of medicines. The reasons for medicines shortages are complex and for things to improve concerted action must be taken by everyone involved in the supply of medicines.”