Health · 8 August 2026

England wastes 3,400 tonnes of medicine costing NHS £480 million

About 3,400 tonnes of partly used medicine were thrown away in England in 2024-25, the National Pharmacy Association estimates. Medicine waste costs the NHS at least £480 million annually, according to the pharmacy group's analysis. They are calling for more regular reviews of repeat prescriptions and for people to only order what they need.

By BriefTea Editorial · 8 August 2026 at 8:02

Reported by The Guardian · How we write briefs

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