What's Happening?
The House of Lords Public Services Select Committee has initiated an inquiry into the UK's capacity to predict and prevent medicines supply issues. This inquiry follows a significant increase in reported medicines shortages across England, which have risen by nearly 70% between 2021 and 2023, according to an investigation by The Pharmaceutical Journal. The committee aims to explore the causes and impacts of these shortages, assess current and future threats to the UK's medicines supply chain, and evaluate national stock monitoring and procurement strategies. The inquiry seeks input from pharmacies, patients, and other stakeholders, with written contributions due by September 23, 2025.
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Why It's Important?
The inquiry is crucial as medicines shortages pose a risk to patient health and add pressure on pharmacies and the NHS. With four out of five NHS prescriptions relying on generic or biosimilar medicines, the resilience of the supply chain is vital. The inquiry could lead to strategic changes in policy, similar to those adopted by the EU, to prevent disruptions. The Royal Pharmaceutical Society has previously recommended a national strategy to address these shortages, highlighting the need for better data sharing and prescription amendment capabilities for pharmacists.
What's Next?
The committee will gather evidence and insights from various stakeholders, including pharmacies and patients, to formulate recommendations. The government has indicated plans to consult on allowing community pharmacists to amend prescriptions during shortages, which could be a significant step towards improving supply chain resilience. The inquiry's findings may influence future policy decisions and strategies to enhance the UK's medicines supply chain.
