THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia has stated that it "will not agree to cuts on cuts for patients or community pharmacies" as it hammers out the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA).
The government had agreed that negotiations for the 8CPA would commence in Sep last year to achieve agreement, before the next tranche of 60-Day Dispensing cuts, on 01 March this year (PD 01 Sep 2023).
With that date fast approaching, the Guild's 8CPA Negotiating Team has been in Canberra every week since Sep, "actively and earnestly negotiating" with the Department of Health and Aged Care.
However, the Guild stated, "despite our best endeavours to secure an agreement, time is running out for commencement within the agreed time frame".
"Progress has been made, but the Pharmacy Guild cannot agree to terms that would send Australia's network of community pharmacies backwards and is not in the interests of our patients".
In late Aug 2023, the Guild even agreed to pause its 'Save Your Local Pharmacy' campaign in exchange for an early 8CPA.
The Guild added, "there is still ample opportunity and good faith to resolve the remaining issues of contention, should the Guild's efforts be reciprocated with renewed urgency from the Minister and the Department.
"We remain committed to agreeing to an 8CPA within a matter of weeks." JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 14 Feb 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 14 Feb 24
