From syringes to stents: Iran war exposes NHS dependency on petrochemicals

Experts say shortages could force the health service to shift to more sensible use of single-use items, and the making up of drugs only when needed, rather than in advance. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

The war in Iran has put the NHS on high alert amid fears about looming shortages and rising costs for medicines and medical products such as syringes, intravenous bags and gloves.

Much of modern healthcare is dependent on the petrochemicals now held up by the Gulf shipping standstill – whether for active pharmaceutical ingredients or to produce the millions of sterile single-use items, ranging from personal protective equipment (PPE) to catheters and diagnostic-device casings.