BURNLEY MP Julie Cooper has warned that Brexit could worsen existing shortages of several common prescription drugs.
The former community pharmacist and Labour health spokeswoman told a Westminster debate on the issue: "Close to 100 commonly prescribed medications are in seriously short supply, including painkillers, antibiotics and antidepressants.
"Worries about Brexit outcomes have led to the stockpiling of medications, which has undoubtedly exacerbated the problem, but I know from my own experience in community pharmacy that there have been concerns about the supply chain for several years, long before Brexit was ever dreamed of.
" The government has consistently turned a blind eye to these problems, which place additional pressures on GPs and pharmacists and are detrimental to patients."
Junior health minster Seema Kennedy said: "W take this seriously and have a team working on it."
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