The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has joined the Australian Medical Association in calling for a dedicated medicine shortage forum to address the growing issue of medicine supply disruptions.
According to a statement released by the Guild, the current approach is not only making if harder for pharmacists to do their jobs but is also failing patients, with supply issues impacting vital medicines for diabetes, menopause and mental health.
‘Current approach too short-term and reactive’
Adding comment, the National President of the Guild, Trent Twomey says the current approach to the medicine shortage is too short-term and reactive.
“It doesn’t address the root cause of shortages, and patients continue to suffer,” he says.
“Information sharing and greater awareness of existing and forecasted supply disruptions is crucial to making sure Australian patients have the medicine they need.”
Since the disbanding of the Medicine Shortage Working Party in 2021, the Guild has consistently urged the government to reinstate the forum, which was formed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This forum included representatives from all levels of the supply chain and provided for information sharing and
greater awareness of existing and forecasted shortages.
Unlike the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) Medicine Shortage Action Groups, formed in response to critical shortages, the former Medicine Shortage Working Party facilitated broader discussions around general policies and mitigation strategies for anticipated or localised shortages.
Need to focus on the big picture
“The TGA’s reactive approach means that not all industry stakeholders are represented, leading to inconsistent information being shared across the supply chain,” says Mr Twomey.
“The Government can, and should, focus on the big picture – to reduce the impact being felt by vulnerable Australians who need these essential medicines.”
