Royal Pharmaceutical Society Medicines Shortages Report

There is growing concern regarding the effects of medicine shortages on patient care both in the UK and globally. Although national frameworks have traditionally alleviated the consequences of these shortages for patients, escalating pressures indicate that additional measures are necessary. The prevalence of shortages is increasingly disrupting patient care and healthcare teams, highlighting the urgent need to enhance and strengthen existing systems.

The report titled “Medicines Shortages: Solutions for Empty Shelves,” published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, offers a thorough evaluation of the factors contributing to medicine shortages, their repercussions on patients, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals, as well as potential strategies to alleviate and manage these shortages.

You can read the full RPS Medicines Shortages Report and their recommendations here.

Following the findings of the report, CPE is calling for Government action to tackle the shortages.

Further guidance for pharmacies on issues around medicine shortages can be found on the CPE website here.