THE Federal Health Minister Mark Butler called 60-Day Dispensing (60DD) "difficult reform, but good policy" in his opening address at the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's (PSA) national conference, PSA24, on Fri.
Butler announced that nine million scripts have been issued under 60DD, saving Australians more than $50 million on their medicine costs, with the next round of medicines to be added in Sep.
He added that despite "the litany of catastrophic consequences" predicted at the time of 60DD, applications to open new pharmacies continue to climb.
"Since I announced 60-day scripts, the government has received more than 120 applications to open new pharmacies, which is about 25% higher than the number I received in the corresponding period before the announcement," he said.
Butler also launched the roadmap for PSA's strategic vision, Pharmacists in 2030 (PD 01 Aug), calling it "bolder and broader in its ambitions than its predecessor".
"We can continue to work constructively, openly and maturely together, as I'm really confident we have in the last two years," he said.
The PSA also signed two key agreements to support pharmacy students and enhance pharmacists' mental health.
PSA renewed its partnership with the National Australian Pharmacy Students' Association (NAPSA), backing its initiatives and the NAPSA Congress, to ensure professional and education opportunities.
Additionally, PSA recommenced its Memorandum of Understanding with the Pharmacists' Support Service, reinforcing its commitment to mental health resources. JG
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