GPs back new dispensing policy as pharmacists warn of dangers

The Nepean GP Network has thrown its support behind the Federal Government’s controversial 60 Day Dispensing policy.

60 Day Dispensing has been adopted in the Senate with Stage 1 commencing on September 1 for just under 100 medications on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

This will mean that patients with chronic disease can have 60 days’ worth of medication dispensed for a single dispensing fee, saving the Federal Government approximately $1.2 billion over the next four years.

Co-Chair of the Nepean GP Network Health Consumer Advisory Committee, Joe Rzepecki said it’s a win for customers.

“Consumers will benefit from 60 Day Dispensing, keeping money in their wallets and saving them time,” he said.

“This has a ripple effect through the whole health system. It frees up more appointments with GPs which will mean that patients are more likely to be able to manage their condition with their GP instead of having to go to the Emergency Department if their chronic disease gets out of hand.”

The Federal Government has announced that the savings gained will

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“Community pharmacies provide a much-needed service, especially in more rural areas where access to a GP isn’t always possible,” Rzepecki said.

The initiative has not been welcomed by pharmacies, who say 60 Day Dispensing will have a “deep and negative” impact on local chemists.

Representative for the Community and Pharmacy Support Group (CAPS) Emil Demyane said that pharmacists want to be able to deliver cheaper medicine for all Australians but without closing down pharmacies and “robbing people of essential services”.

“We ask that the government pause the 60 Day Dispensing until a new Community Pharmacy Agreement can be implemented,” he said.

“A better solution would be for the government to halve the co-payment cost so every citizen of the country has a fair go. A policy that helps a few Australians, is funded by their fellow citizens, and destroys a respected profession is definitely not a fair policy.

“As it stands, the only way for pharmacies to survive the cuts will be to charge for currently free services, reduce staff levels and open fewer hours.”