Abbott supports pharmacy
September 5, 2013
The Pharmacy Guild has
confirmed receipt of a number of
letters of support for community
pharmacy from political leaders
ahead of this weekend’s election
- including a key document from
liberal leader Tony Abbott.
Abbott confirmed that if elected
the Coalition Government “will
continue to deliver support for
community pharmacy, as an
essential element of our health
system”.
“Community pharmacy is an
integral, highly accessible part of
the health system...the Coalition
continues to support the model
of pharmacies being owned by
pharmacists to ensure community
pharmacy remains focused to the
needs of patients,” he wrote.
The letter also affirms ongoing
support for timely access to
medicines, advice and services
through community pharmacy,
as well as committing to “work
in partnership with [the Guild]
to further consider cost-effective
ways of delivering improved health
outcomes through professional
services in pharmacy”.
Guild President Kos Sclavos said
he was pleased to have received
the letter from Abbott, along with
others from the Australian Greens
and Katter’s Australian Party.
“We are optimistic that we will
receive a letter from the Australian
Labor Party before polling day,”
Sclavos added.
Nationals leader Warren Truss
has also stressed the importance
of community pharmacies in
regional and rural communities,
reiterating his party’s support for
the Community Service Obligation
payments to wholesalers.
“I am also very pleased to see
that Mr Truss has clearly stated his
support for ongoing Community
Pharmacy Agreements negotiated
with the Guild, and for the
continuation of the location rules”.
Sclavos also highlighted support
from the Greens and Bob Katter.
“The Guild will need to negotiate
a solution with whoever wins the
election on Saturday regarding the
impact of the accelerated price
disclosure announcement,” he said.
Because of this the ‘Pharmacy
Under Threat’ petition campaign,
which has already garnered a
whopping 550,000 signatures, will
continue until 14 Sep, Sclavos said.
“This issue must be resolved
because pharmacy services, jobs
and pharmacy viability are at
stake,” he warned.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 05 Sep 13To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 05 Sep 13
