London: Hospitals across England are facing shortages of several commonly used medicines, including aspirin, co-codamol and ramipril, raising concerns about pressure on healthcare supply chains and the availability of routine treatments.

An investigation based on responses from NHS trusts found that medicine supply disruptions have affected hospitals in different parts of England. The shortages involve medicines used for pain relief, prevention of blood clots and management of high blood pressure.

Aspirin Shortages Reported by NHS Trusts

Aspirin was among the medicines most frequently affected. Of 42 NHS trusts that provided information on aspirin supplies, 26 reported disruptions between December 2025 and March 2026.

Aspirin is used for several medical purposes, including reducing the risk of blood clots in certain patients. Supply interruptions can therefore create additional work for hospital pharmacy teams.

Co-Codamol Supply Problems

Co-codamol, a combination of paracetamol and codeine used to manage different types of pain, has also experienced supply problems.

Thirteen of 42 responding trusts reported difficulties obtaining the medicine. Separate NHS pharmacy guidance states that supplies of co-codamol 30mg/500mg tablets remain limited until 2 October 2026.

Ramipril Remains in Limited Supply

Ramipril, commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure and certain cardiovascular conditions, is another medicine affected by shortages.

The Department of Health and Social Care has stated that ramipril capsules across several strengths are in limited supply until the end of October 2026. Alternative medicines remain available, although routine switching is not recommended because increased demand could put pressure on other supply chains.

The NHS Business Services Authority currently lists a Serious Shortage Protocol for 1.25mg ramipril capsules running until 30 October 2026.

Supply Chain Problems Add Pressure

Medicine shortages can result from manufacturing difficulties, shortages of raw materials, distribution problems, international trade barriers and unexpected changes in demand.

Community Pharmacy England says medicine supply problems can be national or international in nature and have been affected by wider disruptions to global supply chains.

The latest investigation also found that many NHS trusts lacked specific contingency arrangements for the medicines examined, highlighting the challenges healthcare organisations face when supplies become unreliable.

Government Working With Suppliers

Health authorities say measures are being taken to manage shortages and maintain continuity of treatment.

The Department of Health and Social Care has acknowledged the limited availability of ramipril and said it is working with suppliers to resolve supply problems involving ramipril, co-codamol and aspirin.

For patients, medicine shortages do not necessarily mean that a particular treatment is permanently unavailable. Pharmacies and healthcare professionals may have access to alternative products or other supply arrangements depending on the medicine and clinical circumstances.

Healthcare Supply Resilience Under Focus

The latest shortages have renewed attention on the resilience of England’s medicine supply network.

With several widely used medicines experiencing disruptions at the same time, healthcare organisations are having to monitor stocks closely and coordinate with suppliers and pharmacy teams to reduce the risk of treatment delays.