MPs and members of the medicines supply chain have debated stock shortages in the Houses of Parliament today (Wednesday, May 4).
The debate was led by Conservative MP Margot James and followed concerns from pharmacists that delays in obtaining medicines were putting patients at risk.
Representatives from the British Association of Pharmaceutical Wholesalers (BAPW) and other pharmacy stakeholders were present at the debate.
Attendees heard about the extent of stock shortages, including the results of C+D's Stock Survey 2010, but the government gave no commitments regarding how it would tackle the issue.
A full report from the debate will follow on C+D's website shortly.
Prior to the debate, Pharmacy Voice chairman Ian Facer said he hoped MPs would call for a "stronger obligation on suppliers" to supply medicines promptly, if improvements were not seen.
"Pharmacists on the front line have reported a worsening in the supply situation over recent months," he explained. "For many people with long term conditions, their medication is vital and it is unacceptable that they should be put through the ordeal of having to wait for their medicines whilst the pharmacist jumps through hoops to get them what they need."
Pharmacy Voice called on the government to explore whether new legislation was needed to deal with the delays in the supply of prescription medicines.
