Pharmacy apologises after customers given wrong medicines, scripts in Broome
Residents of Broome, Western Australia, are expressing alarm following reports of prescription errors at two local pharmacies. More than a dozen customers have come forward with concerns about receiving the wrong medications, incorrectly labeled prescriptions, and experiencing delays in receiving necessary supplies.
Pharmacy Ownership Change
The pharmacies, located in Broome and Chinatown, were acquired by Darwin-based Northpharm in June 2025. This marked Northpharm’s first expansion into the Western Australian market. Since the change in ownership, customers have reported a decline in service quality.
One customer, identified only as “D,” recounted receiving medication labeled in her name that was, in fact, the wrong prescription. She stated, “It was in my name, but it was the wrong medication.” D, a customer of four years, also reported that her delayed medication would now require reordering. She expressed concern for elderly individuals who may not carefully review their prescriptions, stating, “For people that don’t look over things, maybe elderly people, it’s really quite risky … it could have severe consequences.”
Additional Reports of Errors
Other individuals have shared similar experiences. Scott, a long-term resident of Broome, reported receiving medications intended for other people on two occasions, as well as a complete book of prescriptions belonging to someone else. He also stated that his prescriptions were lost. Another woman reported that her daughter’s essential medication was mistakenly given to another patient. She highlighted a potential issue with the lack of identification requirements when receiving prescriptions.
Northpharm’s Response
Northpharm has issued an apology to customers who have experienced “distress or inconvenience.” A spokesperson stated the company takes complaints seriously and is reinforcing dispensing guidelines. Northpharm, owned by Kongvic Langwarrin Pty Ltd, also announced plans to increase staff training to ensure “the highest standards of care.”
Possible Future Developments
Following these reports, Northpharm could face increased scrutiny from health authorities. Further investigations will be conducted to assess the extent of the issues and ensure patient safety. Customers may continue to seek alternative pharmacy services, as demonstrated by D and her family, who have switched to an independently owned pharmacy in Broome. Depending on the outcome of the review of dispensing guidelines and staff training, the situation could improve, remain unchanged, or potentially worsen if systemic issues are not addressed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of errors have been reported?
Customers have reported receiving the wrong medications, incorrectly labeled prescriptions, missing prescriptions, and experiencing delays in receiving supplies.
When did Northpharm take over the pharmacies?
Northpharm took over the Broome and Chinatown pharmacies in June 2025.
What is Northpharm doing to address the concerns?
Northpharm has apologized and stated it will reinforce dispensing guidelines and increase staff training.
How might changes in pharmacy practices affect the community’s trust in healthcare providers?