Concerns over shortage of antibiotics in Wales as Health Minister urged to provide reassurance

Wales’ Health Minister has been urged to provide reassurance over the availability of antibiotics.

There has been a surge in demand for the medication in recent weeks, partly due to the rising number of cases of children falling ill with Strep A.

In some cases, people have been forced to visit multiple pharmacies to try and source antibiotics.

Drug companies have also been accused of hiking the prices of the products, causing stock issues for pharmacists.

Yesterday Plaid Cymru MS for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, Mabon ap Gwynfor MS challenged Health Minister Eluned Morgan on what action the Welsh Government is taking to tackle the antibiotics shortage over the Christmas period.

He said that he has been approached by concerned parents and pharmacists unable who have been unable to source penicillin, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and erythromycin.

As a result children are being prescribed antibiotics in tablet form, with pharmacists showing carers or parents how to open the capsules and then mix the powder with another liquid.

Mr ap Gwynfor added: “It concerns me, therefore, that the message from the government over the past few weeks has demonstrated a lack of understanding of the seriousness of the situation.

“The people of Wales need assurance that basic medicines will be available when the need arises, without having to travel long distances, sometimes 30 miles or more, or wait weeks to access these medicines.

“So, will you give us that reassurance, and will you urge the manufacturers not to take advantage of this crisis by raising their prices?”

The Health Minister said that the concern over the rise in cases of Strep A had led to a “temporary disruption in supply”.

Ms Morgan said: “We are working closely with the UK Government, the makers and wholesalers in order to hasten the movement of additional stock in the supply chain as a result of the significant increase in demand.

“We are also working with health boards and community pharmacists to ensure that stock is available for distribution where demand is highest.

“We are working with the UK Government to speed up the movement of additional stock into supply chains, and we’ve issued guidance on alternative antibiotic choices and on the administration of tablets and capsules to children where penicillin and liquid antibiotics are unavailable.

“Also, we’ve given advice on how solid dosage can be given to people who have swallowing difficulties where there is a shortage of liquid medicine.

“So, we are giving that advice, that advice has gone out, and, obviously, if there are alternatives, as there are, then we need to keep an eye on that in terms of the price of the antibiotics.”

Public Health Wales have released advice on Strep A / Scarlet Fever symptoms and what parents and guardians should do if they suspect their child is unwell. More information can be found here.