SA Pharmacy Council discourages panic-fueled purchases of supplies

DURBAN – The South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC), has called on members of the public to desist from purchasing unnecessarily large amounts of medicinal and other essential supplies such as hand sanitisers, face masks, disinfectants and other items.

In recent weeks, several pharmacies across the country have been reported to have experienced stock shortages due to panic-fueled bulk buying of effervescent immune-boosters, hand sanitisers and other medicinal and essential items, as well as attempts to bulk purchase prescription medication.

Unfortunately, such unnecessary bulk purchases deplete stock and deny others access to essential goods.

The council has called on patients, pharmacists and members of the public to work together with all sectors of society to defeat Covid-19 by ensuring continuous availability of transmission prevention essentials for everyone.

The Sapc also commended pharmacy owners and managers who have implemented measures such as limiting items purchased per customer to curb a possible stock shortage.