Posted on 11/08/2012 10:32:23 PM PST by My Favorite Headache
The shuttered sister company of the Framingham pharmacy at the center of the nation’s deadly meningitis outbreak is laying off hundreds of workers, including many permanently, as it struggles under a temporary closing order issued last month amid questions about its sterility process.
Westboro-based Ameridose LLC notified workers in a letter that it would begin a “mass layoff” starting tomorrow, a process that will affect roughly 650 workers at the company and another 140 at the marketing company, Medical Sales Management, with which it works directly.
The companies have the same owners as New England Compounding Center, the Framingham company that made the steroid injections federal investigators have blamed for 424 cases of fungal meningitis, including 31 deaths.
“It was the Company’s expectation that the suspension of operations would be temporary in nature and that we would be able to fully resume operations in a short time period,” according to a letter Ameridose’s director of human resources, Geri Weinstein, sent to workers. “While we continue to expect to resume operations, we have now determined that because of the continued inspection by state and federal authorities it may be necessary to resume operations at a reduced level.”
While no contaminated drugs have been linked to the company, Ameridose recalled all of its products last month after the Food and Drug Administration raised concerns about its sterility testing process. It originally closed on Oct. 10, and officials have said it will not re-open until at least Nov. 19 while the federal investigation continues.
About 200 of the workers aren’t expected to be asked back.
In a statement released by the company, officials said the hope is to re-open “as soon as possible.”
“We continue to work diligently with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health during their inspection of Ameridose,” the statement read. “We anticipate receiving recommendations from these agencies soon, and responsibly implementing them to meet their concerns.”
In the letter to employees, Weinstein thanked the workers for their “service to the company.”
“We certainly realize the impact layoffs have on all affected, and wish you the best during these difficult times,” it reads.
Noting but good news! Hail Obama!
I hope they are all Obumbo voters.
HOORAY Ameridose! Prepare. Persevere.
Unfortunately, Ameridose is most likely toast. This also sets the stage for the government take over of retail and mail order pharmacies. A health crisis such as fungal meningitis cannot go unpunished.. so the US Government will let loose the FDA in all of its regulatory gusto. Just think, it coincides will the government take over of health care... Government Hospital, Government Health Clinic, Government Drugs Store, Government Dentist, Government Optometrist, Government Witch Doctor and Spirit Guide.
Somebody stop me. Think how good you have it now. Think how “great” it will be in 4 years as you elbow past 30 million more “uninsured americans” for the green pill.
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