RISHI Sunak denied claims Strep A antibiotics are running out yesterday — despite pharmacies warning of limited stocks.
The PM said there are “no current shortages” of the drugs and he was backed up by Health Secretary Steve Barclay who said stock levels are “not a concern”.
But pharmacies warned there are “limited stocks” of liquid penicillins while parents struggled to get prescriptions filled.
Dr Leyla Hannbeck, of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, said: “Pharmacies across the country are saying it’s very difficult to get hold of antibiotics.
“When they go online to order they are told it’s out of stock or unavailable.”
At least nine children have died from complications caused by the Strep A infection since September with cases four times higher than usual in primary school kids.
Medics are most worried about liquid penicillins given to children, including Pen V and amoxicillin. Parents could have to use crushed up pills instead of liquid medicines if supplies run out, officials said.
Demand is exploding because of Strep fears, which led doctors to lower the threshold for prescriptions.
But Mr Barclay said the central stockpile is big enough to cope and supplies are being moved to meet demand.
Mr Sunak told PMQs: “There are no current shortages of drugs available to treat this and there are well-established procedures in place to ensure that that remains the case.”
