The Sri Lanka Chamber of the Pharmaceutical Industry (SLCPI), while recognising all medical and healthcare workers as well as the law enforcement for their unstinted service during the COVID-19 outbreak, thanked the local pharmaceutical industry that includes importers, distributors, and pharmacies, along with the regulators, for their exceptional work during the curfew period.  

In a message to commemorate World Health Day, which fell on 7 April, SLCPI said that as Sri Lanka responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacies and pharmacists together with the supply chain and logistics providers, including delivery drivers, are working tirelessly to ensure that everyone’s medicines and healthcare needs are met.  

“The global pandemic has forced companies to reassess the way they carry out their businesses. They have been compelled to adapt to a volatile situation exacerbated by ever-changing government priorities. On the other hand, we are seeing medical researchers working around the clock to find a cure for this epidemic which have claimed thousands of lives around the globe,” said SLCPI Chairperson Kasturi Chellaraja.

Pharmacy teams are a critical part of the healthcare system in the country and the past weeks have seen demand for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, other products, advice and reassurance soar,” she added. “Currently, they are under intense pressure, working as a team in the front line of the health service, making sure the communities have access to essential drugs. The efforts of this sector need to be recognised and applauded,” she added further.

Furthermore, she appealed to the public to help pharmacies, who are working tirelessly by:

Avoiding pharmacies if you are showing symptoms of COVID-19 such as a dry, persistent cough, fever or shortness of breath. 

Be patient: All pharmacies are under immense pressure and working around the clock to ensure that you get what you need

Order medicines as normal: There is no need to stockpile medicines. Ordering extra prescriptions and buying more over the counter medicines than you need will contribute to disruption to the medicines supply chain, which is otherwise robust.

Finally, in a tribute to the pharmaceutical industry players, SLCPI said: “You are part of the frontline during these tough times, and for that, we salute you.”