Henders Drugs is modifying their operation in the care capacity to address the spread of the virus.
Effective March 19, the pharmacy strongly requests that any customers who don’t feel well call in instead of coming into the drugstore.
“We are all concerned about COVID-19 virus spreading,” said Larry Preddy, co-owner of, and a pharmacist at Henders Drugs. “So some of the things we are doing, for instance, is putting in measures like if you are sick, we don’t want you coming into the store. We’ll look after you, we ask that you phone and explain your situation. And we will direct you and we’ll do what we can to look after anybody’s needs. And I’m sure any pharmacy in Estevan will do the same.”
First and foremost, Henders Drugs is concerned about keeping the community healthy. The pharmacy does deliver, so they will set up arrangements to have the prescriptions or other medications delivered to those customers who might be sick or are in self-isolation due to recent travelling or contact with infected individuals.
“Basically, we want to protect our staff and we want to protect the public,” said Preddy.
The customers should ask their doctors to fax in their prescriptions. People are also asked to be patient and give the staff and other customers enough room.
To ensure a continued supply of prescription medications, on March 18 the Ministry of Health has issued a directive that Saskatchewan pharmacists must limit the quantity of prescription drugs dispensed. It means that pharmacists all across Saskatchewan may only provide a one-month supply (to a maximum of a 35-day supply) in a 28-day period for all drugs not on the Maintenance Drug Schedule; a two-month supply in a 55-day period for drugs on the Two-Month Drug List; and a 100-day supply in a 95-day period for drugs on the 100-Day List.
This restriction applies to all prescriptions regardless of whether the patient pays cash or has a private or public drug plan that pays for the prescription.
“We’ve run into a situation in the last few days, and this isn’t unique to our store, I’m sure all other stores in the province are running into it, when all of a sudden the prescription medications become the ‘toilet paper’ issue,” said Preddy. “That causes a shortage of medication in the supply system. As a result of that, our suppliers are limiting the amount of medication we can buy from them and ultimately leads to problems.”
While the production of medications continues and the supply chain keeps operating, Preddy encourages customers to stay calm and only take what they need. There will be no shortages, if people keep shopping as usual. However, if people panic and try to stock up on particular medications, the shortages will be forthcoming.
“While you may feel safe, your neighbour may not be, your kids may not be, your parents may not be, because the medication may not be there for them when they need them,” explained Preddy.
There are no limitations for over-the-counter medications and supplies, but the same rule of responsible consumption applies here as well.
“I urge people not to panic and just carry on with medications in your normal manner of getting things filled, and things will be fine,” said Preddy.
At this time, the pharmacy will not be accepting returns of used sharps containers, post-consumer returned medications for disposal and used vials for refills.
Pharmacies are deemed an essential service, so Henders Drugs will operate according to their regular hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday and holidays noon-4 p.m.
“Currently we have no plans of altering our hours. Ultimately we want to be there for the people when the people need us,” said Preddy. “Again, I want to stress, call us, or if you are dealing with a different pharmacy, call your pharmacy, and make arrangements. Don’t go without and don’t go out and put others at risk.”
