Pharmacies left in the lurch by Governments over RATs and vaccinations

As Australians are urged to get tested and vaccinated, front line staff and pharmacies are begging the Government for more supplies as they fail to meet unrealistic expectations.

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PHARMACY manager Melissa Wilson says she is stuck between a rock and a hard place during one of the most unprecedented times in recent history, while trying to obey the law and help our community’s most vulnerable.

It’s a scenario the Toowoomba Day and Night Pharmacy manager and her team are facing each day.

Mrs Wilson said the constant demand for rapid antigen tests was proving to be frustrating and draining, while dealing with a government that refuses to listen.

“It’s very difficult because you have people being told that they’re entitled to these free antigen tests, but the truth is, there are no tests available to pharmacies at the moment,” she said.

“They’re unavailable to the whole sales and supplies chains.

“Its all well and good for the Prime Minister and state leaders to say go and get your free five tests that you’re entitled to, but the problem is there’s no stock available.

“The officials are aware there’s no stock, but they’re still saying this.”

Toowoomba Day and Night Pharmacy pharmacist Monica Kailey (left) and pharmacy assistant Mais Karam with a pack of 20 Covid RATs that cannot be sold separately, Monday, January 24, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mrs Wilson said the pharmacy recently received its first RAT delivery since before Christmas, however only in packs of 20, valued at almost $300.

“We’re unable, because of the law, to break those boxes down,” she said.

“It’s very frustrating and understandable that they’re unaffordable to a lot of people.

“This is the only way I’ve been able to buy them, and half of them have already been pre-sold.

“The rest will be gone by the end of the day.”

Mrs Wilson said she had tried three times to purchase RATs, with stock failing to arrive.

“The company that buys the stock has the intention of giving it to us, but then the government is taking that stock and stockpiling it for the government’s (supply at the drive-throughs),” she said.

“It’s frustrating … but the government has a need for it as well.”

Covid RATs at Toowoomba Day and Night Pharmacy, Monday, January 24, 2022. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Mrs Wilson also said the private pharmacy struggled to stock enough vaccines for younger residents.

“We had to cancel kids we had booked in on Friday because we didn’t have enough stock sent out to us, and they didn’t have the capacity to send us any more,” she said.

“We could be vaccinating every day, but we’re not getting supplied with enough vaccines.

“All of these things just provide more angst, especially during an already difficult time, and then you have the ongoing mask issues where people don't want to wear masks.”

Mrs Wilson said the business frequently faced customers who would refuse to comply with the mask mandates.

“It’s not much to wear a piece of paper on your face when there are ICU staff with full PPE on every day,” she said.

“We’re doing our best, and we’re doing our best to keep the vulnerable safe.

“We know there are people who can’t wear masks and we have ways to workaround that so they still get what they need.”

“We all just need to be a little less selfish and be more selfless and realise its not just about us, but about the broader community.”