Following the Federal Budget announcement on 9 May, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) along with the broader community pharmacy profession is seeking a greater understanding of the major policy changes, which will have a significant impact on the industry.
In a statement released on 10 May, the PSA highlighted the importance of consultation with the pharmacy profession on the proposed changes and their implementation.
The PSA say this will be the most effective way to ensure no patient or pharmacist will be worse off as a result of the changes.
“As expected, the Federal Budget confirmed that it would proceed with a proposal to extend the time frame to dispense over 300 medicines in pharmacies from 30 days’ supply to 60 days’ supply,” PSA National President, Dr Fei Sim said.
“Professionals who work in pharmacies have been surprised and disappointed by the decision made without adequate consultation, but PSA is seeking to work with the government to learn more about how the cost savings from this measure will be redirected back to the pharmacy sector.
“In the interests of promoting public health outcomes, Australia’s pharmacy profession must continue to thrive, but community pharmacies can’t be expected to do more with less.
“Putting in place a higher level of consultation with pharmacists will, in part, help to offset the consequences for community pharmacies across Australia.”
Dr Sim points out that the impact of the changes is much broader than simply on pharmacists and pharmacy staff.
“Medicine use in Australia is increasing. Pharmacists are medicine experts and pharmacist intervention is critical to minimising medicine misadventure and harm,” Dr Sim said.
“Community pharmacies are an integral part of Australia’s primary healthcare system.
“Our health system needs pharmacies and pharmacists, and government support is fundamental to delivery.
“The government has committed to the 60-day dispensing, but details around implementation and reinvestment into the profession are where the real impacts will be.
“Despite the commitment to expand vaccination and other services, reinvestment should be sufficient to maintain the viability of the community pharmacy network, not redistribution or replacement of patient co-payment, and patients can continue to benefit from pharmacy-delivered services.
“The pharmacy profession remains open and willing to work with the government to help ensure there are no unintended consequences to this policy measure, and no patient and no pharmacist will be worse off,” she said.
