THE current "one-size-fits-all" system of pharmacy remuneration does not recognise additional costs faced by rural pharmacies, according to Pharmacy Guild executive director David Quilty.
Writing in the fortnightly Forefront update yesterday, Quilty highlighted the fact that there are more than 1,000 community pharmacies across regional Australia, including over 400 in one-pharmacy towns.
"Many are struggling to cope with a range of business challenges that need to be addressed to prevent a further deterioration in access to vital health services," he said.
In particular, rural pharmacies consistently report that they cannot attract pharmacists, despite offering higher salaries than in capital cities along with assistance with rental costs.
"Federal and State Government financial support to assist with rural pharmacy workforce issues is minimal compared with other health professions, including GPs.
"While there is no magic solution, a community pharmacy regional workforce strategy is urgently needed which should focus on the policy changes and financial incentives required to attract and retain pharmacists in rural areas," Quilty said.
He said the current regulatory and funding environment does not take into account the broader health role of rural pharmacies "which effectively are local community health hubs given the lack of access to other health services".
Quilty said arguments against expanding pharmacist scope of practice put forward by "organisations representing the interests of big-city doctors" hold no weight in rural communities where there are no accessible alternatives for vaccinations, health screening, the timely treatment of minor ailments and obtaining continuing medicines without a prescription.
"The Guild is advocating to have these important issues addressed," the executive director concluded.
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