Page 8 - Retail Pharmacy November/Decemeber 2020

6 EDITOR’S LETTER EDITOR’S LETTER What a year ... So glad it’s gone! Having said that, however, I have never seen such resilience, cooperation and caring from people: from government to our industry and others. It was amazing seeing what can be achieved when we all work together. With this in mind, we have put together our inaugural annual report, to give an account of 2020 and look at where we go from now. If Covid-19 taught us anything, it is that life is unpredictable. The pandemic caught us all by surprise, no one expected what followed and, although there now seems to be light at the end of the proverbial tunnel thanks to the development and advancements of vaccines, we are still in uncharted waters. We need only to look at the UK and US to see that this is far from over. As mentioned, the pandemic showed us how amazing team humanity can be when it collaborates on a shared goal. The impossible doesn’t seem so unachievable, and fast-tracking what would usually take forever gets a very quick turnaround. It is all possible through working together, and what better example of this than our own backyard? We invited industry leaders to tell us of their own experiences of Covid year one. Instead of us setting the agenda and putting our twists on their tales, we thought it would be best to give them the chance to talk to you directly, so we provided a platform for them to give you, in their own words, their accounts of 2020. I am hoping this is the start of a conversation between all of us and I thank everyone who participated (pages 33-46). This inaugural annual report also includes statistics we present in partnership with NostraData and IQVIA. Covid-19 has obviously had a huge impact on prescription and consumer sales, but, whereas we had reported erratic consumer behaviour resonating in sales spikes on items such as hand sanitiser, toilet paper and more, these figures show a sharp decline. NostraData identified the unprecedented panic-buying by Australians pre-lockdown in March as the culprit, which created an artificial demand spike and significant out-of-stock situations for many products. For example, demand for medications for chronic conditions such as cardiovascular, respiratory and diabetes treatment was astronomical during this period, hence the restrictions that followed. As usual, it is an interesting read as an account of the phenomenon we have experienced (pages 53-61). This year we have included GuildData, which reaches similar conclusions and, most importantly, identifies opportunities that may further enhance the services provided by pharmacies. The pandemic has proven and cemented the fact that community pharmacy plays an integral role in the Australian health system, and that this should be recognised moving forward. This is a vastly comprehensive report: crammed with facts, figures, analysis and insights, and importantly, reflects the human side behind it all (pages 48-50). Retail Pharmacy also had to adapt to the ‘new normal’. From April this year we decided to publish our issues digitally. However, from this issue forward, we are planning and hoping to return to print. I would like to thank everyone that supported us this year. It has been hard to keep communication channels open when the main one, face-to-face, was taken out of the equation. However, we adapted and although nothing can replace human contact, we found ways to keep doing what we do and to present our product to you, dear reader. For me, this year has highlighted what is important: being happy, family and friends, living our own good truth and taking care of ourselves and each other. Without a doubt, what I took for granted is what has taken centre stage in my life again. For that I am grateful. I wish all of you a safe, happy and restful holiday. If anyone deserves that, it is you and every other health professional that put their own safety aside for the wellbeing of others in 2020. Merry Christmas to those that celebrate it, happy holiday season to everyone and best wishes for 2021. Much love and good health to all. Managing Editor RETAIL PHARMACY • NOV/DEC 2020