Local pharmacies in need of vital drugs are reaching a crisis stage as one major pharmaceutical distributor awaits the COVID-19 results of employees.
This precarious situation was disclosed during a brief telephone interview with the President of the Barbados Association of Pharmacy Owners (BAPO), David Lewis, recently.
Lewis, a pharmacist and owner of Lewis Drug Mart, explained that Collins Limited Warehouse has been closed for several days. He noted that this has created challenges for 90 local pharmacies that are unable to restock their shelves with supplies that are, in most cases, exclusively sourced from this major distributor.
Lewis said that in some circumstances, the community of pharmacists was working together by supplying each other with necessary products as needed.
The BAPO President said while he was aware of the position of the major distributor, he suggested it may be necessary to suspend all walk-in customers to this business and utilise the delivery service.
On the Collins Limited Facebook page, a January 8 post stated that three employees from the Warrens branch came into contact with individuals who later tested positive for COVID-19. Of the three, one person tested negative and the others are awaiting results from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
The bulletin also informed the public that the business is closed until further notice and customers can visit the Broad Street retail store to conduct their business. Efforts to contact Collins Limited management for comment were unsuccessful.
The Barbados Advocate also reached out to the Director of the Barbados Drug Service (BDS), Maryam Hinds. She said the BDS is aware of the closure of the island’s largest pharmaceutical distribution company.
“Collins closed as a precautionary measure. The Ministry did not ask them to close. But we are monitoring the situation,” said Hinds.