THE Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has extended the Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure it put in place to help flood-affected people in Far North Queensland to include those who may be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in coming days.
Having taken effect from 04 Feb, the measure will be in place until 31 Mar 2025 (inclusive) and allows people to continue to access their PBS subsidised medicines.
It 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.
MEANWHILE, the Guild has provided some tips to share with patients about how to plan and prepare for Cyclone Alfred:
* Ensure prescriptions for essential medications are up to date to avoid unnecessary travel or hospital presentations.
* Prepare an emergency kit that contains all medical and health supplies for seven days: consider first aid items, essential medicines and prescriptions, infant supplies, sanitary products, thermometers, batteries, and chargers for medical devices.
* Ensure patients plan ahead and charge medical devices and batteries now, so they can maintain power.
* Patients with medications that require refrigeration should be assisted in identifying alternative storage methods, such as cold bags, if power is lost. KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 06 Mar 25
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 06 Mar 25
