Community pharmacists in the province are disheartened by comments made during yesterday’s COVID-19 update regarding shortages.

Health Minister John Haggie was asked what government was doing to address the challenges faced by local pharmacists in getting needed supplies. Minister Haggie indicated that wholesalers had not made him aware of any issues surrounding the supply of drugs, and that the wholesalers suggested a 30-day supply of drugs.

That is not sitting well with local pharmacists. Clinical Pharmacist with MUN’s School of Pharmacy, Dr.Cathy Balsom says there appears to be a real disconnect between what the minister is saying, and what it’s like to be working as a pharmacist in the community.

She says they are having real difficulty getting needed supplies like hand sanitizers and masks, and certain medications like children’s Tylenol—and it doesn’t end there.

They’re having trouble accessing certain puffers including Ventolin, and other popular inhalers. On Tuesday she learned she had only one Flovent, and five patients waiting to get it. She then had to decide who needed it the most, and call the others.

They’re also having trouble getting insulin, certain anti-depressants, dexamethasone for cancer patients and much more. Because of that, pharmacies had to enact a 30-day supply, and hearing the minister’s comments was “disheartening.”

They were advised to limit the supply to 30 days by their national pharmacists association and local regulatory bodies to ensure that people don’t go without.