PRESS RELEASE
Romanian Association of Pharmaceutical Distributors and Retailers (A.D.R.F.R.): Amid the COVID-19 crisis, we have over 7,700 employees in the front line
Bucharest, May 5, 2020. The crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic got more than 7,700 employees of member companies involved in the distribution of medicines and those in pharmacies at the front line. The supply of medicines needed by patients and doctors in the fight against COVID-19, but also by other categories of patients, is supported by more than 2,200 warehouse workers and drivers. They ensure the delivery of over 2 million packages of medicines in the shortest time and the safest conditions and comfort to hospitals, quarantined hospitals, and pharmacies.
Moreover, there are over 5,550 pharmacists and pharmacy assistants who maintain the continuous activity in pharmacies, despite the constant exposure to the risk of infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, being the first health specialists to whom patients turn. There were isolated situations of infections of the staff that determined the quarantine of those pharmacies.
"At the beginning of the crisis, the situation was worrying. But the sense of duty was stronger and, in a short time, every employee in the warehouse, driver, pharmacist, and pharmacy assistant assumed an important role in the front line to support the population, hospital patients, and doctors responsible for treating infected patients. We are grateful to them for the involvement and dedication they have shown", stated Anca Babeș, Executive Director of A.D.R.F.R.
During this period, significant investments were made to increase protection and safety measures throughout the supply and market flow. In addition to the equipment with masks, gloves, Plexiglas screens, disinfectants, an additional package was added which includes coveralls (drivers), disposable boots, and safety glasses (drivers), antibacterial wipes, and vitamins. Also, to prevent the risk of infection, general disinfection procedures are carried out at all members' depots every 48 hours.