Updated instructions for retail pharmacies during the COVID 19 epidemic with effect from the 27.10.2020

The following conditions should be strictly followed by the pharmacist/s and staff during opening hours.

  1. Maintain the minimum distance of 1 m between each customer and dispensing pharmacist to ensure social distancing.
  2. Hand sanitizing facility should be available at the entrance to the pharmacy and customers should disinfect hands thoroughly before entering the pharmacy.
  3. A notice should be displayed on the main door stating: -Opening hours of the pharmacy. - Requirement of a valid prescription or a clinical record with the customer for purchasing prescription medicines.
  4. Only THREE customers should be allowed to enter the pharmacy at any given time.
  5. Maximum of ONE months’ supply of medicines listed in the prescription should be issued. Same rule applies for over the counter (OTC) medicines.
  6. Strictly adhere to the restrictions given by Ministry of Health on dispensing Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin.
  7. Records should be maintained of each dispensation of prescription as well as details of the customer in the prescription book.
  8. After issuing medicines, a remark or rubber stamp should be placed on the prescription stating “issued” with the time and date of issue. If the prescribed medicine is not available in the pharmacy a remark or rubber stamp should be placed on the prescription stating “not available” with the time and date of issue.
  9. Pharmacies having CCTV, should keep their system switched on during the opening hours and records should be preserved for a minimum period of 14 days.
  10. Any suspected case of Covid-19 should be immediately brough to the notice of nearest Ministry of Health office / Police station.
  11. All the surfaces, including worktops and door handles that may have come in direct with customers should be frequently disinfected.
  12. Customer should be advised to sanitize/disinfect hands once again when leaving the pharmacy.

PEASE NOTE ALL ABOVE CONDITIONS SHOULD BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO BY THE PHARMACIST/S AND THE STAFF. ANY VIOLATION OF THE ABOVE CONDITIONS WOULD LEAD TO SUSPENSION / CANCELLATION OF THE LICENSE. IF YOU NEED ANY CLARIFICATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHIEF FOOD & DRUG INSPECTOR, NMRA OR AUTHORIZED OFFICERS IN YOUR REGION

(Date: 27 October 2020)