PREPARING COMMUNITY PHARMACIES FOR THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC

A guidance document published by the Federation of Asian Pharmaceutical Associations

on March 16, 2020

Download the complete document by clicking on this link.

Background

This guidance document is part of FAPA’s response to an outbreak of respiratory disease called
“coronavirus disease 2019” ( COVID-19), which is caused by a novel (new) coronavirus now
officially called “SARS-CoV-2”. COVID-19 is now affecting more than 100 countries and was
publicly characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020.

As more countries experience a rise in the number of cases and possible community transmission,
governments and various sectors are expected to take measures to slow down the spread of the
disease to a level that does not overwhelm each country’s health system. This is a prime
opportunity for pharmacists to take action and show how we can help in strengthening each
country’s existing health system by:

1. Alleviating the fear and reducing panic through public health education
2. Preventing the spread of infection in the community and in the workforce
3. Providing direction for patients to access the health care services that they need
4. Ensuring availability of essential medicines and supply by preventing panic buying and
rational use of medicines.

Download the complete document by clicking on this link.

Author: fapa_admin