Drug Supply Shortages Endanger Patients, Pharmacy Leaders Warn

A severe shortage of medicines is leaving patients frustrated and at risk, as pharmacies frequently turn them away due to unavailable prescriptions. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has called for the government to allow greater flexibility for pharmacists to substitute medications when safe alternatives exist. Currently, patients must return to their GP for a new prescription if their prescribed item is out of stock, with limited exceptions under the Serious Shortage Protocol. The issue was highlighted by Lancashire coroner Christopher Long after the tragic death of two-year-old Ava Hodgkinson, who could not receive timely antibiotics due to these restrictions. The NPA's survey revealed that all pharmacies are unable to dispense prescriptions at least once a day due to supply issues, exacerbating the crisis. Additionally, pharmacists are threatening to reduce their hours unless funding concerns are addressed, reflecting a broader financial instability in the sector.