The NHS could face shortages of paracetamol, antibiotics, stroke prevention medicines, and some cancer drugs within weeks if the US and Iran fail to resolve the Middle East conflict, drug manufacturers have warned. Medicines UK, representing the industry, told The Telegraph that 85% of NHS prescriptions could be affected as early as June due to a lack of chemicals and solvents used to manufacture active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Medicines containing paracetamol and aspirin are most at risk because they rely on by-products from the petrochemical industry, which has been disrupted by Tehran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Medicines UK reported receiving only about a quarter of its usual drug volumes due to the war.
Richard Sullivan, professor of cancer and global health at King's College London, highlighted shortages of cancer drugs and consumables for robotic surgery. Dr Leyla Hannbeck, CEO of the Independent Pharmacies Association, warned that many pharmaceuticals depend on petroleum-derived inputs, putting constraints on availability and cost.
Dr Hannbeck wrote to Health Secretary Wes Streeting nearly a month ago, urging him to add medicines supply to the national risk register. In response, a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said the government is monitoring the situation closely, with limited disruption so far, and has robust measures including buffer stocks and alternative procurement to protect patients.
