Stockpile medicine to avoid shortage during Iran war

The Independent Pharmacies Association has called on Health Secretary Wes Streeting to take urgent action to protect UK medicine supplies amid potential disruptions from Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Representing 5,000 community pharmacies in England and Wales, the group warned that patients nationwide could face worsening shortages. In a letter to Streeting, chief executive Dr Leyla Hannbeck highlighted the vulnerability of the global supply chain, stating that further trade interruptions would make the existing strain on pharmacies “far worse.” Dr Hannbeck explained:

“Many common drugs, including aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen and a range of antibiotics, rely on petroleum-based ingredients as well as other raw materials sourced from the Middle East and beyond. Any disruption to these supplies increases production costs and slows manufacturing, which quickly translates into lower availability on pharmacy shelves.”

She noted impacts on essential daily treatments millions depend on, such as propranolol for blood pressure and cholesterol-lowering drugs to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Painkillers like co-codamol and opioids for chronic pain, certain cancer treatments including efudix cream, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) have already proven hard to obtain in recent months.The UK imports most medicines, with many relying on raw materials from China, India, and other regions—even those produced in the EU.

Hannbeck urged Streeting to immediately add the 150 medicines currently in shortest supply to the government’s export ban and anti-hoarding list. She warned of risks including delayed treatment with potentially serious consequences for patients, while pharmacists face constant burdens contacting suppliers, finding alternatives, and reassuring concerned patients. The association also demanded appointment of a medicines shortage tsar and creation of a “critical medicines list” to proactively prevent future shortfalls. A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson responded that most licensed medicines remain in good supply. The government is investing in domestic manufacturing, offering financial incentives, maintaining mitigation processes including use of alternatives, and working with international partners to strengthen supply chains and safeguard NHS services.