Following the recall of yet another medicine n New Zealand, The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) has come out and publically appreciated the role of the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (the Council) in supporting the pharmacists affected by the recall.

According to the reports, Mylan NZ has recalled all strengths of Pacific Atenolol tablets. The recall is the fourth one that has taken place this year. It is believed that the recall would affect an estimated 43,000 patients throughout New Zealand.

Mylan NZ officials are asking the community pharmacists to contact each patient to whom the recalled tablet has been sold since 1 January 2010.

In the wake of such recalls, the Guild is thoroughly delighted as the Pharmacy Council of New Zealand (the Council) extends full support to the community pharmacists in seeking adequate financial compensation for their inputs in the case of the recalls.

Responding to the recall incidents, the Council Chair Carolyn Oakley-Brown said in a statement that though the Council’s position on medicines recalls only concerns patient safety as the priority, however, the recalls enforce a considerable burden on pharmacists.

In the wake of the financial burdens, the Council completely supports the pharmacists in seeking sufficient financial compensation for their input.

Annabel Young, Guild CE said, “The Guild is very pleased that the Council – which has the duty to protect the public and promote good pharmacist practice – has come out in support of pharmacists seeking compensation for the time and expertise involved in medicine recalls”.