Tenerife Cabildo and Official Pharmaceutical Association Explore Turning 345 Pharmacies into Logistics Centres for Emergencies
Representatives from both entities met alongside distribution cooperatives Cofarte and Cofares
The Tenerife Cabildo and the Official Pharmaceutical Association of Tenerife, in collaboration with distribution centres Cofarte and Cofares, are working on a preliminary agreement that would establish a protocol of action to transform the island’s 345 pharmacies into reference points for the reception and distribution of medications during any emergency on Tenerife. Additionally, logistics companies specialising in the distribution of medicines will be responsible for delivering the necessary supplies to any location on the island, ensuring that the needs of individuals affected by evacuations are met.
This was highlighted during a recent meeting attended by the Councillor for Natural Environment, Sustainability, Security and Emergencies, Blanca Pérez, the Insular Director of Security and Emergencies, Iván Martín, and the managers of the Official Pharmaceutical Association of Tenerife and Cofarte, Marina León and Eduardo Padilla, respectively. During the gathering, preparations for the EU-Modex Tenerife volcanic risk exercise were discussed, scheduled for the week of 22-28 September in Garachico. This exercise will involve both the professional body and pharmaceutical delivery companies, which will coordinate the supply of medications during the simulated evacuation and shelter days.
Blanca Pérez stated, “The EU-Modex exercise is a unique opportunity to enhance our response to a volcanic crisis. It helps us prepare better for such events and establish a strategy to meet the needs of the population should such an emergency occur. This is why we are engaging with all stakeholders who can play an active role in assisting the public, particularly those involved in logistics and supply. In this respect, the Official Pharmaceutical Association of Tenerife, Cofarte, and Cofares are entities that can fulfil a crucial role in meeting the assistance needs of at-risk populations.”
“In the Garachico drill, the three pharmacies in the municipality will serve as the hubs for distributing medications previously requested from logistics centres, delivering them to the simulated evacuated population. This exemplifies what it means to have a network of 345 pharmacies in Tenerife prepared to ensure medication availability during emergencies,” Pérez added.
The Insular Director of Security and Emergencies, Iván Martín, remarked, “Our goal is to ensure people’s safety, and the Modex represents an opportunity to test our protocols and plans, which will be analysed later to assess our strengths and weaknesses and work on these.”
