Pharmacy Daily | Don’t block 60DD: AMA

THE Australian Medical Association (AMA) has called on the Federal Opposition to clarify its position on 60-day dispensing, saying an "observer would easily conclude the opposition was opposed to the policy" and was capitulating in the face of an irresponsible scare campaign.

There is growing concern the Coalition will try and block the government's policy in the Senate, denying patients saving up to $180 per year on selected PBS medicines.

In a letter to opposition leader Peter Dutton, AMA President Prof Steve Robson said, "it appeared the opposition had given in to an orchestrated scare campaign that puts profits before patients".

"The current scare campaign makes some grossly irresponsible claims and pharmacy owners have a long history of opposition to 60-day dispensing, despite the significant benefits for patients."

The AMA's letter says, "the Coalition had previously caved in following a similar scare campaign on the same policy when it was last in government".

Robson said the AMA was deeply concerned the Coalition would perpetuate the situation by seeking to block the government's changes.

"At a time when many people are struggling with cost-of-living pressures, the public positioning of the Coalition on 60-day dispensing suggests they are intent on having patients continue to absorb unnecessary financial pain with all the negative consequences this brings in terms of access to healthcare," Robson said.

"The independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee found 60DD has enormous benefits and must be introduced."

The AMA also welcomes the decision to increase funding for rural pharmacies.

The Guild and the PSA have expressed their concerns over 60DD since it was announced earlier this year, (PD 26 Apr).