WITH the 8CPA deadline drawing closer, a lead protest group stated that the Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has made "minimal effort" to secure the funding agreement for pharmacists before the 01 Mar date, and there seems to be "no plan in action".
The Community and Pharmacy Support Group (CAPS) also wanted pharmacists to be allowed to charge a gap fee, in line with other healthcare professionals, to "provide much-needed relief from the pain of 60-Day Dispensing (60DD)".
A gap fee would help to sustainably provide services including Project Stop, SafeScript, and other vaccination services.
CAPS spokesperson Christine Kelly said, "as the deadline approaches, it is crystal clear that Butler's commitment to the 8CPA was just a faux gesture to keep pharmacists quiet for a bit and hope the outrage passes over".
"The reality is that the situation is getting worse for pharmacists as the effects of 60DD become more visible and pronounced each day," Kelly explained.
"It's a mess that Butler produced, that threatens the health of the community, and one that he has no motivation to clean up."
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