PHARMACY regulation in NSW "needs a great reset" to bring it into line with other jurisdictions across the country, Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch Vice President, Paul Jones, believes.
Jones, who has nominated for the NSW Branch presidency, against incumbent, David Heffernan, and Tim Hewitt, told Pharmacy Daily that the Guild needed to raise issues stemming from the regulatory approach being taken by the Pharmacy Council of NSW, with State Government officials.
"It has come to my notice that, many well regarded community pharmacy owners have been subjected to conditions being placed upon them by the Pharmacy Council," he said.
"I feel there is injustice occurring to my guild members and the only recourses are to approach the NSW Health Minister and possibly the Premier.
"In this COVID-19 environment with its extra pressure we are all working under and the level of appreciation by all levels of Government.
"This extra pressure from the Pharmacy Councilmust be reviewed by the NSW Government as it is atypical of others State Councils and it is destabilising community pharmacy."
Jones also called for the implementation of a single consumer complaint system, featuring delegates with community pharmacy experience, rather than the two which currently operate in the State.
Meanwhile, the deadline for eligible Guild members to cast their ballots for contested positions within their state/territory branch committee is 5pm AEDT on 17 Feb.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 08 Feb 21
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