December 11th 2025

By Ailsa Colquhoun

Lords inquiry calls for improved generics communication

Improved patient information around generics was discussed in the third oral evidence session of the Lords’ inquiry into medicines security.

During the session, health and care minister Dr Zubir Ahmed MP said that an NHS communications and information-sharing piece could improve public confidence around generics.

The debate also discussed implementing a national inventory of medicines held by dispensaries. However. Dr Ahmed dismissed the suggestion stating there was “no system that would be practicable or implementable without causing a real clogging of the system”.

There was also discussion around a UK national stockpile of critical Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients in light of reports that the United States is stockpiling APIs for 26 critical medicines.