Azlan Othman
Pharmacies are experiencing a surge in demand for common health products amid the rise in COVID-19 infections in the country.
A pharmacy in Kiulap said most of its Panadol products, a popular brand of paracetamol-based painkiller, including ‘Regular’, ‘Soluble’ and ‘Actifast’, has been sold out since Sunday.
Another pharmacy in Gadong said Panadol, cough syrup, vitamin C and even Bactidol, used for symptomatic relief of mouth and throat infections, were quickly selling out.
“Our supplier is also running out of supply. For Vitamin C, bottled drinks are still widely available but tablets are out of stock,” said a staff member.
The country has reported an average of over 4,000 cases daily over the last seven days. A total of 93,034 COVID-19 cases had been recorded, as of yesterday.
Azalina, a mother of four, said she has been stockpiling Vitamin C, cough syrup and Panadol since last week.
“I went to a pharmacy on Sunday only to find that many health supplements have been flying off shelves,” she said.
Meanwhile, a family under qurantine order yesterday called on relevant agencies that provide health packs to homes to also include Panadol.
“I’ve been searching for this item at shops but it’s out of stock,” said one of the family members.
