The head of NHS England, Jim Mackey, has said he is 'really worried' about medicine supply issues amid concerns over cost implications and disruption linked to the conflict in Iran.
Speaking on LBC Radio, Mackey noted that the UK imports 75% of its medicines and has already experienced supply shocks in the last 12 to 18 months. He stated that a team is monitoring supply chain risks, but stock levels vary: 'It could be days for some products.'
Drug and pharmacy organisations expressed surprise at his remarks, saying they are not yet seeing shortages directly related to the conflict. An anonymous industry source commented that Mackey's concerns 'don’t tally with the situation on the ground.'
Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, reported 'disturbing spikes in prices' as an early indicator of potential challenges, noting that the Department of Health has issued unprecedented price concessions to cope with surges.
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry stated it is not aware of supply issues from the Iran conflict, as the region is not a significant exporter of medicines and supply routes are flexible. A government spokesperson confirmed there are currently no reported shortages due to the Middle East conflict, but monitoring continues.
