Desperate patients forced to travel 'across the country' or even abroad for vital prescription drugs

Medicine shortages are forcing patients to travel ‘across the country’ or even go abroad to get prescription drugs that they desperately need.

Brexit, the ongoing war in Ukraine, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and broader economic instability have all played a part in supply chain issues impacting people across the country. The MEN has previously reported on patients forced to check at 30 or 40 different pharmacies to find the drugs they need.

Now, in a report to councillors in Bury, the borough’s Healthwatch group has issued an message about the desperate measures some people have resorted to in order to get their hands on ‘difficult or impossible to get hold of’ medication

.Join the Manchester Politics WhatsApp group here

Bury Healthwatch said the problems in Greater Manchester were particularly acute for certain prescribed medicines used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other drugs used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). The report, covering the period October to December 2023, will be presented to members of Bury Council’s health scrutiny committee on Tuesday, March 5.

Describing ‘issues raised in Bury’, the report, said: “We have heard of some people struggling to access certain prescription medicines. “HRT medicines, ADHD prescriptions and several others have been reported as either difficult or impossible to get hold of.

“Neighbouring Healthwatch have reported some are resorting to going abroad to get prescriptions, or travelling hours across the country to pharmacies that have stock.”

Last month, patients impacted by the shortage in ADHD medication shared their experiences, including sresearcher Dr Sami Pinarbasi, 38, who is based in Greater Manchester. He said it's a