Main content

Drug Shortages

Medics say shortages of some drugs are worse than ever. File on 4 examines the complex network behind the medication we鈥檙e prescribed and uncovers a long-running crisis.

Medical professionals say shortages of commonly prescribed drugs are currently worse than ever before - impacting on patient care and potentially costing lives.

The government has banned the export of some medications from the UK in an attempt to protect dwindling supplies but desperate patients are still travelling abroad to get the medication they need or, rationing their supply or going without treatments entirely.

File on 4 examines the complex supply network behind the medication we鈥檙e prescribed and finds out how a single broken link in the fragile chain can impact patients, doctors and pharmacists alike. Speaking to worried insiders, exasperated clinicians and patients left too frightened to leave the house, the programme uncovers a long-running crisis at the very centre of our health care system.

Reporter: Adrian Goldberg
Producer: Steven Hobson
Editor: Carl Johnston

Image credit: Hiraman\Getty

Available now

37 minutes

Last on

Sun 24 Nov 2019 17:00
主播大秀 Radio 4

More episodes

Previous

Anatomy of a fraud

Next

Going back: The people reversing their gender transition

See all episodes from File on 4

  • Medics say shortages of some drugs are worse than ever.

Broadcasts

  • Tue 19 Nov 2019 20:00
    主播大秀 Radio 4
  • Sun 24 Nov 2019 17:00
    主播大秀 Radio 4

Download this programme

Subscribe to this programme or download individual episodes.

Podcast

  • File on 4

    Award-winning current affairs documentary series