Pharmacists on the frontline: coronavirus update |
Pharmacists are continuing the critical work seen in the Australian bushfires by supporting the community in dealing with planning associated with COVID-19, and ensuring continuity of medicine supply. PSA has received reports from pharmacists that patients have been requesting them to dispense multiple repeat scripts to “stock-up” on prescription medicines because of fears the onset of COVID-19 might lead to medicine shortages in Australia. This has been supported by reports from wholesalers on higher than usual demand for prescription and over the counter medicines. PSA has been working closely with the Commonwealth Department of Health and has been reassured by wholesalers that there are currently no medicine supply issues in Australia. There is currently no recommendation from the Commonwealth Chief Medical Officer, Commonwealth government, Departments of health or any other public health authority of the need for patients to stockpile. PSA stands by Australia’s pharmacists as they work to insert a risk-based approach to the safe use of medicines for the Australian public. Some advice for pharmacists includes:
We are committed to keeping members informed. We are setting up a dedicated information page on the PSA website to keep members informed, and are having daily conversations with the Commonwealth Department of Health to ensure we provide up-to-date and accurate information. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact us at policy@psa.org.au |