Pharmacy Daily | Rural pharmacy threat

PROPOSALS put forward by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) to allow double dispensing, could have a negative impact on the viability of regional pharmacies, Rural Pharmacy Network Australia (RPNA) Chair, Fred Hellqvist, warns.

While the Federal Government shelved the plan to slash spending on dispensing fees, prior to the Budget in Apr, the fact that the proposal remains on the table has irked the RPNA.

Hellqvist warned the move to 60-day dispensing would cost pharmacies an average of $85,000 in gross profit, which could see owners forced to cut staff hours, and out of pocket costs for non-concessional patients.

"There is no doubt that double dispensing, introduced in isolation, would have a devastating impact on rural communities," Hellqvist said.

"The effects will be catastrophic."

Hellqvist said the viability of services including dose administration aids would be jeopardised by increased patient costs, with the RPNA Chair warning that cost savings from savings on dispensing fees being cancelled out by increased hospital admissions as the result of a reduction in pharmacy services.

"These losses will be particularly detrimental in rural communities where medical services are already under strain and patients are relying heavily on their local pharmacy for healthcare advice and triaging," a statement from the RPNA said.

"In the worst case, some towns could lose their pharmacy altogether.

"Community pharmacies form a vital part of the economic fabric of rural communities - you lose your pharmacy and the whole town starts to unravel.

"The fact that the Federal Government would even be contemplating such destruction in rural communities is hard to fathom - more so when you consider the cost savings may not be as significant as the Government expects.

"We should be looking at measures that save patients money, but also, and more critically, support and improve rural pharmacy services."

Prior to the Budget the Pharmacy Guild of Australia had successfully lobbied against double dispensing, however, the Consumers Health Forum and the Australian Medical Association have been vocal supporters of the proposal.