MPs have asked pharmacy teams in England to share how medicines shortages have impacted them, as part of an inquiry led by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on pharmacy.

The inquiry will explore the impact of medicines shortages in England, as well as contributing factors and potential solutions.

The APPG has asked all those impacted by medicines shortages, including pharmacists and pharmacy teams, GPs and prescribers, patient groups, professional organisations and medicines manufacturers and distributors, to submit written evidence to the inquiry by Friday 24 January.

In a statement issued this week, the APPG said it was keen to understand:

  1. The root causes of medicines shortages
  2. The impact on patient care and health outcomes
  3. The strain on pharmacy teams and other healthcare professionals
  4. Potential solutions and policy recommendations

Labour MP for Exeter and APPG chair Steve Race said: 'Medicines shortages have become an increasingly pressing issue, significantly impacting patient care and placing immense strain on our healthcare system and in particular community pharmacies.

'Recent data shows that 20% of patients in England face difficulties accessing their medicines due to supply chain shortages.

'This inquiry is vital in understanding the full scope of the problem and, more importantly, in developing practical recommendations to government to address medicines shortages and their impact.

'We urge all relevant parties to contribute their insights and experiences, as this will be instrumental in shaping the APPG’s inquiry and efforts to ensure patients can access the medicines they need when they need them.'

Last month, 20 pharmacy and patient groups wrote to health and social care secretary Wes Streeting calling for a ‘cohesive cross-government’ strategy that would help strengthen the medicines supply chain and better protect access to medicines.