Parents have been warned that Calpol shortages could go on for months. And industry experts say other children's medicines might also be hit by the shortage.
The Government has been accused of “poor planning” on supply chains and being “in denial” over the state of medicine shortages. According to BirminghamLive, Leyla Hannbeck, of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said: "As a pharmacist and as a mum, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the situation will improve."
“Pharmacies all over the country are struggling to get these medicines, it’s a national issue. The government must stop claiming it’s a local problem condensed to certain areas - it’s everywhere."
Thorrun Govind, of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, added: “Supply issues make patients anxious and pharmacy teams spend hours tracking down medicines when time could be better spent with patients. Manufacturers, wholesalers and the Government should work together to expedite deliveries to help meet demand as quickly as possible."
A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: “We are aware of reports of issues with the availability of some branded cold and flu medicines – these appear to be temporary, localised." Michelle Riddalls, chief executive of the Proprietary Association of Great Britain said: "While some cough or cold products may be less readily available at some stores this is likely to be very sporadic and there are no reports of widespread shortages."
Health minister Will Quince met with Ms Hannbeck on Wednesday to discuss issues in community pharmacy, including concerns about supply of cold and flu medicines. High street chain Superdrug said that it had seen a huge demand for cough and cold medicines.
And Boots said "general availability of cough and cold relief at our stores across the UK is good, and enough to meet current demand." But it warned: "There may be temporary shortages."
