Alongside fellow MPs, I have written to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, calling for an urgent review into the ongoing shortage of vital medications across the country. This crisis is putting lives at risk, and we must act now to safeguard patients’ health.
Our letter, supported by Epilepsy Society, Epilepsy Action, and SUDEP Action, highlights the devastating impact of medication shortages, particularly for the 630,000 people in the UK living with epilepsy. Too many of our constituents have been left without access to the treatment they need, forcing them to switch to inadequate alternatives or, in some cases, go without entirely. This increases the risk of life-threatening seizures and has caused irreversible harm to some individuals.
While medicine supply issues have been a global challenge since the Covid-19 pandemic, the scale and persistence of the problem in the UK is particularly alarming. The Nuffield Trust has warned that our country is at risk of being left behind in evolving global supply chains, meaning we could end up paying more for less while patient safety continues to suffer.
We have urged the Secretary of State to launch a full review into the UK’s medicines supply chain and explore solutions to address these shortages. Without decisive action, this crisis will only worsen. We have also requested a meeting with the Secretary of State, alongside key health organisations, to discuss how we can work together to resolve this issue.
No one should have to live in fear of running out of the medication they rely on. I will continue to push for urgent action to ensure patients get the life-saving treatments they need. Please read the letter below:
