Overview

• Drug shortages in England have reached critical levels, with essential medications for conditions like diabetes and asthma frequently unavailable.
• Pharmacists are forced to issue partial prescriptions and delay treatment, exacerbating patient anxiety and health risks.
• Aggression towards pharmacy staff has escalated, with incidents of verbal and physical abuse reported amid frustrations over unavailable medications.
• Experts attribute the shortages to Brexit-related supply chain issues and low NHS pricing policies, which deter manufacturers.
• Community Pharmacy England calls for urgent government action to stabilize the medicine supply chain and prevent further patient harm.