The number of drugs on the UK’s shortage list has nearly doubled since January 2022. The NHS is facing a crisis as unprecedented medicine shortages continue to plague the healthcare system. According to unpublished figures from the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) seen by The Guardian, there were 96 drugs on the shortage list in December, a number that has almost doubled since the start of 2022. This shortage includes vital treatments for cancer and diabetes.
The situation has become so dire that the DHSC has issued supply notifications for an additional 10 products, including drugs for schizophrenia and epilepsy. Pharmacists are reporting that patients’ conditions are deteriorating due to this unprecedented shortage. Despite these claims, the DHSC spokesperson has denied recognizing the figures provided by the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA).
The shortage crisis in the UK has been exacerbated by various factors. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has disrupted supply chains for many countries, including the UK. Recent Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, a major route for essential pharmaceutical ingredients, have also raised concerns about fresh market instability. However, drug shortages have sadly become a regular occurrence in the UK, with hundreds of medicines being affected by pricing and other issues on a monthly basis. Janet Morrison, the leader of Community Pharmacy England, has described the situation as worryingly normal and worse than ever.
The shortage of drugs is not limited to the UK; it is a problem across Europe. A survey conducted by the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists found that 95% of hospital pharmacists in 36 European countries experienced shortages in the past year.
Manufacturing issues are a significant cause of drug shortages globally, accounting for 60% of all shortages in 2022. The UK’s reliance on a single manufacturer for many drugs poses a significant risk. Last year, several shortages made headlines due to increased demand, such as the type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic, which was also used for weight loss. This shortage had serious implications for people with diabetes in the UK. ADHD medication and hormone replacement therapy for menopause symptoms also experienced shortages due to rising demand.
The pressures on drug prices since 2016, exacerbated by the Brexit referendum’s effect on the value of sterling, have contributed to the shortage crisis in the UK. Additionally, a lack of coordination between health service guidance, manufacturers, and the government has hindered efforts to address the problem effectively.
The UK government has implemented initiatives to manage drug disruptions, such as requiring suppliers to report shortages earlier and stock sharing between countries. Strategic stockpiles are being utilized to mitigate potential shortages, particularly for drugs with seasonal spikes in demand, such as antibiotics. However, the extent to which these measures will benefit the UK is unclear.
The DHSC has announced that shortages of diabetes drugs in the UK will continue until at least the end of 2024. The government advises against prescribing Ozempic for weight loss and has approved Wegovy as an alternative.
Efforts are being made to address the drug shortage crisis, but the impact remains to be seen. The UK’s healthcare system is in a state of emergency, with patients’ lives at risk. The situation requires urgent attention and collaboration between all stakeholders to ensure access to essential medicines for those who need them.
