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News & Trends - Pharmaceuticals

Senator Ruston exposes consultations with pharmacy sector as doctors and consumers rally for 60-day medicine dispensing

Health Industry Hub | June 13, 2023 |

Pharma News: In a move to prioritise consumers’ needs, eight prominent organisations representing health consumers and clinicians have joined forces to call upon Members of Parliament (MPs) and Senators to endorse 60-day medicine dispensing. This initiative aims to bring about substantial benefits for Australians, particularly those who are more vulnerable, while streamlining healthcare processes and reducing costs.

In an open letter addressed to all federal parliamentarians, these influential organisations, including representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, multicultural communities, and health care professionals, highlight the potential of the proposed reforms. By reducing the number of trips individuals need to make to collect medicines and repeat prescriptions, the 60-day dispensing policy could save people both time and money. Furthermore, it will alleviate the strain on GP appointments, enabling physicians to focus on other patients in need.

However, amidst the growing momentum for this policy change, concerns have been raised by members of the pharmacy sector. During recent Senate Committee proceedings, Liberal Senator the Hon Anne Ruston dug deeper into the perceived lack of consultation with pharmacy stakeholders regarding the 60-day dispensing policy. The Pharmacy Guild of Australia and some pharmacists have voiced their opposition, claiming that they were not adequately consulted about the potential impact on their profession. Fears have been expressed that the policy change could exacerbate critical shortages of essential medicines and significantly reduce pharmacists’ income.

Sam Ghostin, a pharmacist from New South Wales, took to social media to express his discontent, labelling the Hon Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, a ‘turncoat’ for allegedly betraying the pharmacy profession and cutting their income by 50%. Mr Ghostin further challenged the minister, suggesting that he should experience a 50% reduction in his own income.

Responding to Senator Ruston’s concerns during the Senate Committee proceedings, Penny Shakespeare, Deputy Secretary for Health Resourcing, confirmed that the Pharmacy Guild had been informed of the government’s intentions to proceed with the 60-day dispensing during a meeting on March 28th. While acknowledging the importance of consultation, Ms Shakespeare clarified that the decision to proceed with the changes was made following several preceding discussions with the pharmacy sector, as far back as 2018 when the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) recommendations first came to light and as recent as 2023.

Advocates for the 60-day dispensing policy have emphasised its numerous advantages. The policy is projected to benefit approximately 6 million individuals with chronic and ongoing conditions, including a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australians, who experience a higher prevalence of chronic illnesses. Moreover, it would align Australia with other high-income countries like New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, where patients already have access to several months’ worth of medication on a single prescription.

Dr Nicole Higgins, President of the Royal Australian College of GPs, said “I urge MPs and Senators to ignore the scare campaigns and support these changes, there has never been a more important time to save patients money and time.”

Dr Dawn Casey, Acting CEO of the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, warmly welcomed the measure as a means to alleviate the financial burden on Indigenous communities and improve access to essential medications.

“It can halve the annual cost of people’s medicines, which is a truly significant impact. In reducing the number of times people must attend a pharmacy for each of the chronic medicines, it will also greatly improve convenience for patients and further add to the value of the measure, especially when considering accessibility of some pharmacies and current cost of transport,” Dr Casey stressed.

Michele Goldman, CEO of Asthma Australia, highlighted the positive impact on asthma patients, reducing out-of-pocket costs and preventing the rationing of medication due to financial constraints. Mark Brooke, CEO of Lung Foundation Australia, pointed out the broader benefits for patients with lung disease, including cost savings, reduced strain on the healthcare system, and decreased time spent in crowded waiting areas.

Leanne Boase, CEO of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, stressed the potential for improved access to timely primary healthcare as 60-day dispensing would free up appointments and redirect healthcare resources toward better health outcomes. Vicki Durston, Director of Policy, Advocacy & Support Services at Breast Cancer Network Australia, underscored the significance of the policy for cancer patients, who often require long-term medication, such as hormone-blocking therapies, well beyond their initial diagnosis.

Marina Chand, Co-Chair of the Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative, emphasised the positive impact on culturally and linguistically diverse Australians, citing higher prevalence rates of chronic diseases within these communities. The cost savings, particularly the reduction in dispensing fees, would offer significant relief to individuals and families facing financial hardship.

Amidst the calls for support, Professor Steve Robson, President of the Australian Medical Association (AMA), highlighted “The government’s changes are safe and supported by clear recommendations from the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC), including the requirement to ensure that only patients assessed as clinically suitable by a doctor are eligible.”

As the discussion surrounding the 60-day medicine dispensing policy gains momentum, the pressure mounts on MPs and Senators to carefully consider the many benefits outlined by consumer advocacy groups and clinicians and address the concerns raised by pharmacy stakeholders. Ultimately, the aim is to prioritise the wellbeing of Australian consumers, ensuring that their healthcare needs are met efficiently and affordably.

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