Uniphar said that in the last 20 days, it has seen a significant spike in demand across all of its three divisions as the government and the wider healthcare sector ramp up preparations to deal with the forecasted increase in patients across Europe in the coming weeks.
In a trading update, the Irish pharmaceuticals group said its business performance is ahead of its expectations and there has been limited disruption from the Covid-19 outbreak to its business up to now.
Uniphar services the requirements of more than 200 multinational pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.
The company is also a major wholesale provider in Ireland and owns the Allcare and Life pharmacy brands.
The company said it was taking all necessary measures to safeguard the wellbeing of its staff, while ensuring all healthcare stakeholders continue to receive both the medicinal and medical device products they urgently need.
Uniphar said that as it prepares for the full impact of the Covid-19 crisis in the next 12 weeks, it expects to continue to see increased volumes across the group, with likely increases in cost to serve as it invests in additional resources to manage significantly higher volumes, while at the same time dealing with reduced availability of manpower due to potential sick leave or self-isolation/quarantine situations arising.
"Due to reprioritisation of resources within hospitals and other healthcare facilities we are preparing for a possible delay in medical device revenue, if certain 'non-urgent' elective surgeries have to be postponed," the company said.
"The net impact of a three month disruption, should it occur, could result in a reduction of 2020 EBITDA in the region of €5m," it stated.
"We would, however, expect that this would be recovered in future periods as and when healthcare systems return to normal," Uniphar added.
Ger Rabbette, Uniphar Group's chief executive, said the company is closely monitoring the development of the coronavirus situation.
"Uniphar is cognisant of the vital role our organisation plays in the healthcare ecosystem, and our significant responsibilities, in terms of maintaining continuity in the supply and distribution of much needed medicines, medical devices and related services," Mr Rabbette said.
"Meeting the needs of patients is at the core of what we do and our staff are responding to the significant challenge presented by Covid-19 with exemplary innovation, resilience and dedication," he said.
"We are focused on the key role our organisation plays in ensuring patients have access to lifesaving medicines, and on anticipating and overcoming the challenges which face us all in the coming weeks and months," he added.
