Page 15 - rp-may-2020

NEWS IN FOCUS
13
RET AIL PHARMA C Y • MA Y 2020
COVID-19
COMPLIMENTARY
COVID-19
COURSES
CLICK HERE
and be thankful for what we have.”
In response to the challenges of COVID-19, Pfizer ANZ
established a dedicated crisis management team of leaders
from the business to actively monitor the evolving situation
locally and globally, to assess the impact of the pandemic
on patients and frontline healthcare professionals as well as
our colleagues, contractors and business partners, and take
actions to support their continued health and safety.
From March 17, Pfizer ANZ transitioned to a virtual workforce
and temporarily suspended customer visits by company
representatives. This is in line with our government’s intent
to prioritise frontline healthcare service availability to meet
community need. Where healthcare professionals have
the capacity to meet with Pfizer colleagues, our field force
is conducting these interactions virtually, offering a choice
of interactive online tools, such as virtual appointments,
and providing pharmacists with range of information through
our Pfizer Connect website.
We’re maintaining the integrity of our supply network to
mitigate unnecessary stockpiling and ensure Pfizer’s portfolio
of medicines and vaccines reaches pharmacies and patients
equitably. We’ve increased production to prioritise critical
medicines supply, and are working with healthcare bodies and
the TGA to mitigate any anticipated supply constraints.
We also work with individual pharmacies to assess and meet
any changing need for life-saving medicines, while balancing
this with the need for continuity of supply to all pharmacies and
their patients.
Mark Sargent, General Manager
Consumer Health, Bayer Australia and
New Zealand.
“A heartfelt thank you for the commitment
and professionalism of pharmacy staff
across Australia. Your dedication in being
at the frontline in providing medicines and
treatments is vital in protecting public health.
Healthcare heroes all of you.”
Bayer recognises the vital role of community pharmacy in
protecting and supporting public health. At this unprecedented
time, the role of pharmacies and their staff has become even
more critical, with increased demand from the public for
credible and trusted health information.
For this reason, Bayer has been working hard to support
pharmacies across the nation. Our approach is targeted on
maintaining business continuity, including working to ensure
the sustainable supply of everyday health solutions and
medicines. Also, our company staff are applying strict hygiene
and social distancing practices to help stop the spread of
COVID-19 in the community.
Bayer operations have adapted quickly in line with new
realities. Our Consumer Health representatives have been
on hand to help fill pharmacy shelves where needed, while
following strict social distancing protocols. Our customer
service and medical information services remain open
“Our daily lives at home have completely
changed. It’s been a time to slow down,
spend more time together and be thankful
for what we have.”
TO PAGE 14