Patient Concern over shortage of drugs: Lamb speaks out

12.00.00am GMT Tue 19th Jan 2010

Patients with serious and long-term health conditions in Norfolk are being denied life-prolonging drugs because of a shortage of medication. The fall in the value of the pound has created a market for wholesalers to sell drugs at a higher price in other countries, resulting in short supply in the UK.

It is particularly concerning for people in rural communities where medicines seem to be harder to obtain with fewer pharmacies and GP practices. It is estimated that hundreds of patients in the county, some with cancer, epilepsy, serious lung conditions and other long-term illness, are missing out on medication they need on a regular basis.

The problems have been raised by North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb in parliament and by letter to health secretary Andy Burnham.

Norman said: "People are literally struggling to get medicines and it means they could be at risk. Wholesalers are under no obligation to supply to the NHS and they make more money abroad.

"It means vital medication is in short supply here with limited amounts going to GPs and pharmacies. It takes doctors and pharmacists so much time to try and access medicines.

"Some companies are making a fortune elsewhere while sick patients miss out. The market is escalating in this. This is a terrible situation."