As part of its Primary Care Recovery plan, the government has announced a pharmacy-first approach to reduce NHS wait times. However, new data from AI-powered supply chain management platform 7bridges highlights the challenges faced by UK adults in accessing prescription medicines. The study reveals that an estimated five million adults (11%) have had to visit multiple pharmacies over the past year due to shortages of basic medicines such as HRT drugs, antibiotics, and cold and flu remedies. This article delves into the findings and sheds light on the travel distances and disruptions experienced by patients seeking essential prescription drugs.
Shortages and Travel Distances: The Study’s Key Findings
The study conducted by 7bridges uncovers significant issues surrounding the availability of prescription medicines at local pharmacies. The findings highlight the following:
- Multiple Pharmacy Visits: An estimated five million UK adults (11%) have had to visit multiple pharmacies to obtain prescription medicines in the past year. The shortage of crucial antibiotics, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) drugs, painkillers, and over-the-counter cold and flu medicines has contributed to these challenges.
- Traveling Outside the Local Area: Approximately 3.7 million adults (8%) have been forced to travel outside their local area, often as far as 10 miles, to collect their prescription medicines. This indicates the extent of the scarcity and the inconvenience faced by patients seeking necessary medications.
- Local Pharmacy Shortages: Over one in ten adults (11%) report being unable to obtain prescription medicine at their local pharmacy. In the Greater London area, this figure rises to nearly two-fifths (17%). These shortages place additional strain on patients who rely on their local pharmacies for accessible healthcare services.
Impacts and Sentiments of Supply Chain Disruptions
The increasing need to travel long distances to find pharmacies with available medicines has tested the patience of UK adults. The research reveals the following impacts and sentiments:
- Supply Chain Disruption Concerns: Almost half (47%) of UK adults believe that businesses could be doing more to address the level of supply chain disruption experienced in the country. This sentiment reflects the need for enhanced measures to mitigate shortages and improve the availability of prescription medicines.
- Pharmacies Affected: Despite earlier instances of food shortages, a quarter (25%) of respondents believe that pharmacies are the most affected by current supply chain issues. This perception highlights the critical role pharmacies play in providing essential medications to patients and the urgency to address supply chain disruptions in the healthcare sector.
- Emotional Responses: When pharmacies or retailers cite supply chain issues as reasons for their shortages, over one in five respondents (21%) feel “let down.” Furthermore, 11% of UK adults express anger regarding the continued use of supply chain rationales by businesses. These emotional responses reflect the frustration and dissatisfaction caused by the ongoing challenges faced by patients in accessing their prescribed medications.
Insights from Philip Ashton, CEO and Co-founder of 7bridges
Philip Ashton, CEO and co-founder of 7bridges, emphasizes the importance of ensuring easy access to medicines in local areas. He highlights the role of technology, specifically AI-powered tools, in providing visibility and real-time insights to address disruptions in the supply chain. Ashton advocates for the use of predictive software to identify potential issues and enhance operational resilience in pharmacies. By implementing technology-driven solutions, the healthcare sector can prevent patients from having to travel long distances to receive their prescriptions and ensure the availability of essential medicines.
Conclusion: Addressing Supply Chain Disruptions for Accessible Medicines
The study conducted by 7bridges sheds light on the challenges faced by UK adults in accessing prescription medicines. With shortages and the need to visit multiple pharmacies, patients are encountering obstacles in obtaining essential drugs. To address these issues, it is crucial for businesses and the healthcare sector to prioritize the resilience of the supply chain. The implementation of AI-powered tools and predictive software can provide actionable insights, enhance visibility, and mitigate disruptions. By ensuring easy access to prescription medicines, the healthcare system can better serve patients and meet their healthcare needs effectively.
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