The United Kingdom could face shortages of essential medicines — from painkillers to cancer treatments — within weeks if the war involving Iran continues, according to experts.
The conflict has disrupted the supply of key raw materials such as oil, natural gas, fertilisers and helium, while transport routes through the Middle East have also been affected.
Experts warn that delays in air and sea transport, combined with rising energy costs, are putting pressure on pharmaceutical supply chains. Medicines typically reach the UK by sea, but the near closure of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions at major regional airports have forced companies to reroute shipments, increasing delivery times and costs.
Industry representatives say the situation is not yet critical, but prolonged disruption could lead to shortages once existing stockpiles — usually covering six to eight weeks — are depleted.
Higher transport and production costs may also lead to moderate increases in medicine prices, as pharmaceutical companies attempt to absorb rising expenses.
Source: Guardian