Antibiotics Exploitation

The surge in Strep A cases in UK children, has predictabily led to a rocketing demand for antibiotics to treat this bacterial infection. Strep A generally causes only mild disease in children. This bacterial infection has, however, resulted in the deaths of at least 16 young UK citizens. The National Pharmacy Association notes that antibiotics are very difficult to obtain in some parts of the country. Some pharmacists report now paying £19 for drugs costing only £2, 14 days ago. Although the UK's Health Secretary denies there is a shortage of antibiotics, it's clear that some drug companies are using the increased demand, to boost their profits (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2022/dec/14/uk-watchdog-investigates-rise-antibiotics-prices-strep-a-outbreak). The likelihood of racketeering by some drug firms is being investigated by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority. Not before time!