THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia has taken out full page newspaper advertisements today in an attempt to counter sweeping changes which were expected to be unveiled in next week's Federal Budget.
Guild President, George Tambassis, has written to members about his "astonishment and anger" about a proposed measure which would double prescription quantities to two months on more than 140 PBS-listed medications.
Tambassis confirmed the Guild had been in dispute with the Government over the issue which would have a "catastrophic effect" on community pharmacies.
The proposal is understood to follow an unpublished Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee recommendation.
Tambassis said he believed the Guild had succeeded in dissuading the Government from proceeding with the plan "but we cannot rest until we are confident it is off the table - now and forever".
The Guild has urged PM Scott Morrison to restore pharmacy's confidence in the Government, asking for a letter of support for community pharmacy and a commitment that the 7th Community Pharmacy Agreement maintain "aggregate and per prescription remuneration for community pharmacy".
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