Pharmacy Daily | CAPS slams funding cuts to Supercare

WITH the last of the Supercare Pharmacies closing their 24-hour pharmacy services throughout Victoria, the Community and Pharmacy Support Group (CAPS) has once again "condemned" the state govt's decision to cut funding.

CAPS stated that these cuts have made it "impossible" for pharmacies to sustain the extended hours, leaving Victorians with "no option" of accessible medication and advice from any pharmacies after hours (PD 05 Jan).

Representatives from CAPS have also remarked that the current financial challenges that pharmacies across Australia are facing as a result of 60-day dispensing (60DD) have made it impossible for small pharmacies to cover the penalty rates and staffing costs necessary to maintain 24-hour pharmacy operations.

"The cuts are disappointing, as other state govts have chosen to invest in 24-hour pharmacies rather than reduce funding," said CAPS spokesperson Christine Kelly.

CAPS has urged the Federal Govt to lead the way for state govts by creating productive policies that benefit the pharmacy industry and its patients, as the effects of the 60DD policy continues to affect the viability of community pharmacies.

Kelly added that the Victorian Govt's cuts to 24-hour pharmacy operations are another funding cut to add to the list that is causing "irreparable damage" to the whole pharmacy industry.

"Pharmacies cannot even consider opening 24 hours a day when recent policy decisions are making it difficult to keep staff employed and the lights on for even the existing daytime opening hours," she explained.

Cutting funding to services such as 24-hour operations will only result in pharmacies having to make the necessary changes to remain viable, stated CAPS.

"Over the past year, we have seen nothing but reductions in funding to pharmacy, which is undoubtedly a short-sighted strategy," said Kelly.

"These cuts put patients in a dangerous and potentially life-threatening predicament, forced to risk their health waiting it out until a pharmacy opens up in the morning, or to seek assistance in the overcrowded hospital system where medical professionals are already struggling."

The Albanese Govt promised a sustainable model where pharmacies can provide more to their communities before 01 Mar 2024, and "it is becoming increasingly likely that this promise will not be kept," cautioned CAPS.

Kelly said the group remains determined to create a voice for the concerns of pharmacists across Australia as they embark on what looks like a progressively challenging year ahead. JG