BUSHFIRES raging across the country forcing people to evacuate from their homes highlight the need for pharmacists to be given greater freedom to dispense critical medicines to patients in need, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National President, Dr Chris Freeman believes.
Freeman told Pharmacy Daily it would be better to automatically empower pharmacists to provide Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listed medicines to patients living with chronic conditions during emergency situations, rather than having to wait for a Department of Health emergency advice notice.
The Department of Health announced emergency dispensing rules came into effect yesterday and will remain in place until "at least 30 Dec", allowing pharmacists to dispense PBS medicines under the three-day emergency supply rule, once they had confirmed the patient's medication details with their prescriber (PD breaking news).
"PSA has long proposed that pharmacists should have the ability to provide at least a month's supply of medicines, especially those medicines for chronic disease when a patient has run of our their current supply," Freeman said.
"It's when these disasters occur that these issues come to the fore.
"Pharmacists unfortunately in these bush fire hit regions will be actually impeded by state and territory legislation as well as PBS legislation in ensuring continuity of medicines supply.
"This needs to be fixed as a matter of priority.
"It prevents pharmacists from caring for their patients in an effective way.
"Enough is enough."
Meanwhile Pharmacists' Support Service (PSS) has called on pharmacists impacted by the fires to call 1300 244 910 if they need support.
The volunteer-led organisation's website offers resources to help pharmacists who have experience traumatic events, including fires.
A spokesperson for the PSS said it relied on the generosity of the profession to maintain its service.
CLICK HERE to donate to the PSS.
Suicide Prevention Australia has also urged people who are finding the bush fires distressing to seek support by contacting Lifeline Australia on 13 11 14.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 Nov 19
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