THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia has added its voice to the chorus of protests against AstraZeneca's (AZ's) direct distribution move (PD 31 Oct), with the Guild confirming that it is "actively lobbying Health Minister Hunt...by advocating that all PBS medicines be made available to pharmacies through the full line wholesalers".
The Guild met with the Minister's staff last Thu to explain how exclusive direct supply increases complexity and cost for pharmacies and undermines the Community Service Obligation (CSO) which aims to ensure all Australians have timely access to the full range of medicines on the PBS.
"Exclusive direct supply arrangements operate outside the CSO and potentially put at risk the overall sustainability of the CSO supply chain, especially if such arrangements proliferate," said Guild president George Tambassis.
He said pressure would continue to be applied, with the Guild also working closely with the full line wholesalers who are seeking the same solution as the Guild.
The Guild lobbying efforts join other action including from the Amcal Guardian National Council which has urged pharmacies to contact their local MP, Health Minister Greg Hunt and AZ itself to express concern over the issue (PD yesterday).
Last week AZ confirmed that effective 01 Nov it would only allow pharmacies to order nine of its higher cost products directly from the company, saying the change would allow it to "monitor supply and demand for these specialised products more closely".
Affected items include Zoladex, ZolaCos, Cosudex, Iressa, Lynparza, Tagrisso, Brilinta, Bydureon and Byetta, with 32 other AZ products to continue distribution through existing wholesalers.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 07 Nov 17
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 07 Nov 17