PURCHASING limits have been enforced after medical items such as children’s paracetamol and Ventolin have been flying off Sunraysia’s shelves.
The Federal Government on Thursday advised pharmacists to limit purchase quantities and dispense only one month’s supply of prescription medications.
Terry White Chemmart Mildura pharmacist Selwyn Patterson said there were little shortages of these items and the pharmacy would adhere to government measures.
“We have had new restrictions placed on items in the last few days including children’s Panadol and Ventolin,” he said.
“We have moved those things behind the counter and are making sure there is a restriction for one per person.
“We have enough for everyone but we can’t have people coming in and buying three at a time and not leaving any for anyone else.”
The pharmacist reported the store had been busier than usual over the past few days.
Mr Patterson said he was not sure why the specific items were being hoarded.
“Why toilet paper? People aren’t using the bathroom any more and children aren’t getting sick more often but it’s an interesting observation on human behaviour in times like this,” he said.
“I honestly have no idea.”
Government restrictions have limited pharmacies to dispense just one month’s supply of prescription medications.
Mr Patterson said this would be followed except for in “extenuating circumstances”.
“Previously people have come in saying they aren’t able to get to the chemist often enough to refill once per month,” he said.
“The government is now funding one free script delivery per month for people in high-risk groups or with chronic health conditions so we will be really strict on that.”
The pharmacist advised there was no need to panic buy, as there was still enough medication to go around.
“The general message is that we have enough medication in the system and in the warehouses, supply isn’t a problem,” he said.
“It’s just getting it to the stores when the demand is so high.
“We don’t have any Ventolin at the moment but we have plenty of the generic pharmacy brand equivalent so it won’t be a case of people missing out.”
