Pharmacies have run out of stock following the deaths of at least 16 children Ministers added the antibiotics to a list of medicines that cannot be exported The Department of Health has continued to deny there is a shortage

The UK Government has banned the export of antibiotics used to treat potentially deadly Strep A infections amid claims of a shortage.

Many pharmacies have run out of stock and the price wholesalers are charging for the bug-busting drugs has surged five-fold following the deaths of at least 16 children.

Ministers last night added four antibiotics to a list of medicines that cannot be exported from the UK or hoarded 'because they are needed for UK patients'.

They are amoxicillin, cefalexin, phenoxymethylpenicillin (Penicillin V) and azithromycin oral suspension.

It came as a primary school was forced to close its doors yesterday after a major outbreak of Strep A.

A staggering 40 per cent of children and 23 per cent of staff were absent at Kingsbridge Community Primary School in Devon on Tuesday.

The school warned parents that it would follow emergency health advice by closing to carry out a 'deep clean'.

Only last week, Health Secretary Steve Barclay denied the country was running low on Strep A antibiotics and insisted there was a 'good supply'.

But Dr Leyla Hannbeck, chief executive of the Association of Independent Multiple Pharmacies, told the Mail: 'In adding these drugs to the banned export list the government is effectively admitting that there is a shortage, as I have been warning for over a week.

'I welcome the fact the ministers are now acting to keep supplies in the UK but they have acted too late and denied there is an issue for too long.

'Pharmacists are still struggling to source the antibiotics they need to treat Strep A and other infections and when they do find them they are at hugely inflated prices.

'We need to get these drugs flowing back onto our shelves again.' Health Secretary Steve Barclay insisted last Wednesday that checks within the Department of Health have not revealed an issue with supply of the medicines.

Antibiotics such as amoxycillin and penicillin usually cost around £3 and £4 for the liquid mixtures for children and around £2 to £3 for capsules.

But prices quoted by wholesalers last week included £15.37 for capsules from Alliance Healthcare and £10.67 for a penicillin oral solution from Accord Healthcare.

Another firm, AAH, was selling amoxicillin capsules to pharmacists at £15.

Because there are agreed price tariffs for the reimbursement of the cost of drugs to pharmacists, when prices rise, it can leave pharmacists out of pocket.

During times of increased prices due to supply shortages, the Department of Health brings in a 'concessionary price' which means pharmacists are reimbursed at the new level.

But pharmacists say the delay in getting reimbursement is leaving them severely out of pocket.

Doctors report parents returning several times for new prescriptions after being turned away by pharmacists who have run out the requested antibiotics.

Some GPs have been told to resort to paper prescriptions, as these allow patients to try multiple pharmacies, unlike the electronic versions, which are sent to one store.

They have also been asked to consider restricting liquid drugs for patients who are unable to swallow tablets, according to GP magazine Pulse.

Doctors have been told to prescribe antibiotics if they have any concerns that a child may have a Strep A infection and whole year groups have been given the drugs following outbreaks in schools.

Strep A infections are caused by strains of the streptococcus pyogenes bacterium that normally cause mild illness such as sore throats or skin infections. But they can infect lungs and the bloodstream, triggering life-threatening symptoms.

Health chiefs say the growing toll is higher than expected for this time of year.

The surge in cases and resulting fears have left the NHS in 'meltdown', with parents of sick children swamping GP practices, A&E units and 111 call centres.

Strep A infections are spread by close contact with an infected person. They can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.

In some people, the bacteria live in the body without causing symptoms or making them feel unwell. But they can still pass it on to others.

One theory is that lack of exposure to Strep A during the Covid lockdowns means young children lack immunity against the bacteria.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: 'Manufacturers currently have supplies of antibiotics available to treat Strep A.

'We continue to work urgently with manufacturers and wholesalers to expedite deliveries, bring forward stock they have to help ensure it gets to where it's needed and boost supply to meet demand as quickly as possible and support access to these vital medicines.'

READ ORIGINAL ARTICLE