MPs find medicines shortages now a systemic threat to NHS patient care

A new report from the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pharmacy calls for urgent reforms to medicines supply, after describing shortages as a “permanent and escalating feature” of the healthcare system.

Published today, the report on an APPG inquiry into the issue concludes that shortages have become a constant and growing threat to NHS care and patient safety. It paints a stark picture, outlining how medicines shortages are disrupting treatment for patients, increasing pressure on overstretched pharmacy teams, and adding hundreds of millions in costs to the NHS.

Community Pharmacy England submitted evidence to the inquiry and its findings closely align with our Pharmacy Pressures Survey 2025: Medicines Supply Report, which indicated medicines shortages and supply disruptions remain widespread, with no improvement since the pandemic.

The APPG is now calling for urgent action to safeguard patient care and provide pharmacy teams with the support they need to manage these pressures safely and sustainably. Its report recommends:

• Reform of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework;
• A national, real-time system to communicate shortages to healthcare professionals;
• Greater flexibility for pharmacists to substitute medicines;
• Investment in UK-based manufacturing of medicines and ingredients; and
• An independent review of the UK medicines supply chain.

Read the Inquiry into Medicines Shortages in England report

Community Pharmacy England will continue to highlight medicines supply issues, pushing for the reforms needed to stabilise supply and support the frontline pharmacy teams who are doing everything they can to protect patient care.

Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy England, said:

“The APPG’s inquiry is yet another strong piece of evidence highlighting the medicines supply situation. Medicine supply issues are a constant worry for community pharmacy teams up and down the country. Our own recent medicines supply report found that one in four pharmacy teams are now spending more than two hours each day sourcing alternatives for their patients, showing just how bad this issue has become.

The recommendations in this report echo what we have been saying for years and clearly set out what is needed to achieve real change. This is a longstanding issue that must not become the new norm. It is simply unacceptable, and without decisive action, we risk these challenges persisting for many more years to come.

We agree that a full reform and robust review of the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework is fundamental – not only for sustainable funding, but also to ensure we have an operating model that addresses mounting financial pressures and meets rising patient needs. In today’s world, our sector must be robust enough and equipped to respond to ever-evolving healthcare needs so that people can access their medicines whenever they need them.

We are pleased to see the APPG for Pharmacy championing this issue across Parliament and with Government, and we will continue to work closely with them at every opportunity to push for the changes patients and pharmacies urgently need.”