6 January 2005
Pharmacists Donate Medicines For Tsunami Victims
Pharmacists are donating medicines urgently needed by those injured by the Boxing Day tsunamis.
Pharmacy Guild President Richard Heslop said community pharmacists shared the shock and sadness of all New Zealanders at
the destruction of lives and property on such a massive scale.
“Many New Zealanders with family links to the areas affected have sought support from the public and that has been
freely given. Pharmacists have been asked to assist by representatives of the Sri Lankan community and have agreed to
donate some high priority medicines to be taken to that country.
We would ask the public to consider helping by buying an extra medicine pack towards the effort when making a purchase.
The advice received from Sri Lanka is that there is an urgent need for antibiotics and medicines for the treatment of
diarrhoea.”
Mr Heslop said pharmacists had always supported the health needs of families and it was no surprise Guild members and
the wider pharmacy community had agreed to help. Pharmacies would be sending the donated medicines to the Guild in
Wellington for sorting and delivery to the appropriate Sri Lankan representatives so they could be taken to Sri Lanka
and directly distributed to those in need.
ENDS