It comes after MPs called on the Government to ‘get a grip’ on the issue.
A jump in the number of alerts issued to warn pharmacists that certain drugs are in short supply is “just the tip of the iceberg” when it comes to the challenges the sector is facing, experts have warned.It comes as analysis by the National Pharmacy Association found the number of Serious Shortage Protocols – alerts that notify pharmacies that they may need to supply an alternative medication to patients – has gone up by three and a half times in the last two years.
The analysis found the alerts were for a range of conditions, including epilepsy, angina, menopause, thyroid problems and depression. “Pharmacists are spending hours a day hunting down stock and are often forced to turn patients away due to being unable to order in vital medication.” “It goes without saying that the unpredictability of the issue has been a huge source of worry,” she added.
Menopause specialist and GP Dr Louise Newson described the shortage of hormone replacement therapy for menopause as “a public health catastrophe”, adding that “women deserve better”. The Health and Social Care Committee said the issue is leaving Pharmacy First, which launched in January, at risk of failure.
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