Overview
- Sir Jim Mackey, who spoke on LBC Tuesday, said the UK imports most of its medicines and some products could run out within days.
- The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has delayed shipments and driven up costs, and pharmacies report sharp price spikes that often signal strain.
- Ministers say supplies are holding and they are monitoring closely, while NHS England has a team tracking risks and distributors typically hold six to eight weeks of stock.
- Heavy reliance on ingredients from India and China leaves generics exposed, and short shelf lives limit how far the NHS can stockpile.
- Pharmacies have already struggled this year to source painkillers, some antidepressants, HRT and certain cancer drugs, and sector leaders are urging steps like a critical medicines list and temporary export curbs.