Pharmacy Daily | Managing meds in FNQ

THE Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has put in place a Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure to help people in Far North Queensland affected by the floods continue to access their PBS subsidised medicines.

The temporary measure permits the supply of an eligible medicine to a person by an approved pharmacist, where there is an immediate need for the medicine, but the PBS prescriber is unable to be contacted and/or is unable to provide an electronic PBS prescription or owing prescription.

The patient must have been supplied with the medicine within the last three months and their condition must be stable.

The PBS Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure provides access to a wider range of PBS medicines than under ongoing Continued Dispensing arrangements, covering most medicines on the General Schedule of the PBS.

Taking effect from 04 Feb, the measure will be in place until 31 Mar 2025 (inclusive).

Meanwhile, the National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA) and the Climate and Health Alliance (CAHA) have jointly called for long-term solutions to mitigate health impacts of floods, drought and fires.

"We urge swift action and coordinated efforts to support these communities that are already challenged with lack of healthcare access, both in the immediate aftermath and in the years to come," said Susi Tegen, Chief Executive of the NRHA.

The flooding in Northern Queensland has submerged agricultural land and forced residents to evacuate, causing physical damage and triggering a rise in waterborne diseases, mental health issues and respiratory conditions, resulting in a heightened risk of infections in rural communities.

"We join CAHA in advocating for funding of the National Health and Climate Strategy to mitigate climate impacts on health professionals, rural communities and their livelihoods," Tegen said.

"We also call for the establishment of a National Rural Health Strategy with rural health funding that would incorporate policies and initiatives to mitigate and address the impacts of disastrous weather patterns on the health and wellbeing of rural Australians," she added.

The organisations are urging both state and federal governments to join forces in bolstering resources for medical and health services so that rural communities are better prepared during extreme weather events, noting that they are occurring more frequently due to climate change.

"Long-term measures, including increased investment in climate change adaptation strategies, are essential to support our rural populations, who contribute significantly to Australia's economy," Tegen added. KB