Medicine security – a national UK priority.

Concerns about medicines shortages in the UK have been highlighted in recent analysis from the House of Lords Public Services Committee and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

The House of Lords Public Services Committee warns that medicines supply should be treated as a national resilience issue, noting the UK’s heavy reliance on complex global supply chains and overseas manufacturing. It argues that the current approach is too reactive and calls for stronger national leadership, better data sharing and clearer oversight of shortages.

The Royal Pharmaceutical Society also emphasises the growing impact on patients and pharmacy teams. Even when only a small proportion of medicines are affected, shortages can lead to treatment delays, additional workload for healthcare professionals and anxiety for patients.

Both organisations stress the need for coordinated action to strengthen supply chains and ensure reliable access to medicines.

Read the full articles here:

Lords Committee calls for proactive leadership to tackle medicines supply

Royal Pharmaceutical Society – Medicines Shortages: Solutions for empty shelves

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