Multiple National Health Service trusts across England have encountered disruptions in obtaining supplies of widely used medications, according to findings from freedom of information requests. The affected drugs include aspirin, used for pain reduction and blood clot prevention; co-codamol, a combination painkiller containing paracetamol and codeine; and ramipril, a blood pressure medication.
Researcher Dr Rodolfo Catena at University College London conducted the investigation, receiving responses from 60 of 184 trusts queried. Among those that responded, aspirin shortages were most prevalent, with 26 of 42 trusts reporting supply disruptions between last December and March this year. Thirteen of 42 trusts reported co-codamol scarcities, with some experiencing problems spanning multiple months in 2025. Seven of 43 trusts indicated difficulty obtaining adequate ramipril supplies. One trust, Kent community health NHS trust, ran short of all three medications.
Pharmacists have characterized the supply disruptions as a “national crisis,” with some patients unable to access their regular medications for extended periods. The shortages reflect broader vulnerabilities in health service supply chains caused by trade disputes, global conflicts, and manufacturing challenges. Frimley Health NHS trust, serving areas in Surrey, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire, opted to pay premium prices for ramipril to maintain uninterrupted availability.
Catena’s research aligns with analysis from the National Pharmacy Association, which has observed a shift in shortage patterns from specialist medications toward generic drugs, which are typically cheaper to manufacture. The researcher contends that NHS England’s assessment of drug scarcity risks as “medium” on its operational register underestimates the actual threat to patient care. NHS England has assigned shortages a score of 16 out of 25 on its risk scale.
Nearly all surveyed trusts reported lacking contingency plans for supply disruptions, and the majority had not reported their shortages to NHS England. Catena has advocated for mandatory reporting requirements on NHS trusts comparable to those imposed on pharmaceutical manufacturers. A health department spokesperson indicated awareness of ramipril supply limitations and stated that serious shortage protocols have been implemented to ensure continued patient access, while emphasizing that most licensed medicines remain in adequate supply.
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