THERE has been no panic buying of pharmaceutical medicines at a Millicent pharmacy.
However, the threat of the coronavirus pandemic has stripped Millicent Chemist and Giftware of all of its stocks of household items including toilet paper, hand sanitiser and face masks.
Pharmacist Usman Hameed said there had been an increased demand for prescription medicines.
“The situation is manageable and we have adequate stocks,” Mr Hameed said.
“In any case, there can be no panic buying as the Federal Government has laws in place which apply dispensing limits.”
The George Street business is also helping regular customers with home deliveries if they are required to self-isolate.
“Our regular customers are our priority but we will review these arrangements on a case-by-case basis,” Mr Hameed said.
“In the pharmacy, we are following all the coronavirus protocols including the application of disinfectant and social distancing.
“At present, customers do not have to sign for their scripts.”
Meanwhile, Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president George Tambassis updated members of the action of the peak representative body.
“I can assure you that we are doing everything we can in our dialogue with governments and health authorities to make them aware of the strain on our network,” Mr Tambassis said.
“We can all be very proud of the service community pharmacies and staff are providing at this time.
“At this extremely challenging time, our healthcare system relies on community pharmacies staying open and being up-to-date on the best way to respond for our patients.
“A priority is also the safety and well-being of our staff – keeping them informed of the risks and the best protocols to address them.
“Their safety is paramount.
“We know supply lines are under immense strain too, as panic buying and consumer anxieties have raised the issue of stockpiling and caused wholesalers to consider measures to cap orders and extend delivery waiting times.
“We are working directly with the wholesalers, the Therapeutic Goods Administration and all relevant stakeholders to develop responses to supply problems as they arise.”
