THE Community and Pharmacy Support Group (CAPS) is continuing to "push for concrete action from the gov't over its disastrous 60-Day Dispensing (60DD), despite vague promises by Health Minister Mark Butler to begin negotiations for the Eight Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) and to have it finalised early next year," stated the nascent group's spokesperson, Christine Kelly.
Community pharmacists from across Australia are gathering in Canberra today (PD 24 Aug)to impress upon politicians of all persuasions that they are not satisfied with the promise to begin early negotiations on the 8CPA as being a solution to the 60DD policy.
"The promise to start negotiations with no promise of consultation is an empty one," Kelly said.
"To expect a complex agreement to be reached in a few months, two of which fall over the Christmas period, without guaranteeing consultation is nonsense.
"Since the 60DD policy announcement in the May Budget, community pharmacists have faced the prospect of substantial financial losses, as well as the anxiety of having to fight to save their pharmacies and fight for the health of their communities.
"It is not an exaggeration or a 'scare campaign' to say that this ill-conceived policy seriously impacts pharmacists across the country, and many will no longer be able to operate," Kelly asserted.
This policy has been unnecessarily rushed and the impact will be a loss of jobs, reduced operating hours and permanent closures, she said.
"The government needs to work with us to find a solution that does not threaten the viability of our pharmacy businesses.
"We are asking the government to consult with us, the country's community pharmacists, to find a solution for cheaper medicines for all Australians.
"We will not stop until we are heard," said Kelly.
CAPS group comprises pharmacy owners, pharmacists, and pharmacy students.
With a heritage dating back to the 1980s CAPS will continue to fight against the government's 60DD policy (PD 18 Aug). JG
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