London: The medicine disposal pressures are mounting as England has recorded 3,400 tonnes of wasted medicines in a single year, placing increasing strain on the National Health Service England (NHS England).
The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) stated that discarded medicines in 2024–25 could fill 75 swimming pools. The organisation analysed data from regional health bodies to estimate the scale of the issue. The NPA also reported that the annual cost to the NHS stands at least £480 million ($609 million).
The organisation has called for more frequent reviews of repeat prescriptions. Patients who receive multiple medicines should undergo regular checks. This would help identify treatments that are no longer needed. The NPA also urged patients to avoid over-ordering medicines.
NHS England stated that steps have been taken to improve prescription management. The organisation highlighted the use of the NHS App, which allows patients to manage repeat prescriptions more effectively.
Olivier Picard, NPA Chairman stated that wasted medicines continue to place financial pressure on the NHS. Picard noted that these losses could otherwise support improved patient services. The medicine disposal also creates environmental and health risks, making the issue more serious.
The warning follows wider pressure on medicine supply, with health leaders reporting severe shortages affecting common treatments in June. These included painkillers, epilepsy medicines, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
The NPA and the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) also pointed to ongoing supply problems. These include Estradot, used in HRT, and Creon, a treatment for patients with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis. The findings have raised concerns over medicine waste, medicine disposal and shortages, increasing focus on efficient use.
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