AS A key element of the 2017 Pharmacy Compact, the National Health Amendment passed by the Senate yesterday abolishes the sunset clause of the Location Rules, ensuring that the rules do not automatically expire at the end of the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement (6CPA) in Jun 2020.
The passing of the bill, which covers the Pharmaceutical Benefits - Budget and Other Measures, brings "much needed certainty and stability for Australia's 5,700 community pharmacy small businesses," said Pharmacy Guild president George Tambassis.
"This measure is in recognition of the fact that community pharmacies need certainty and stability to continue investing in their small businesses and employing staff to serve the health care needs of their patients.
"The Government's commitment to removing the sunset clause was part of the 2017 Pharmacy Compact.
"We thank the Government, the Opposition and the Australian Greens for supporting the passage of this legislation," Tambassis said.
Medicines Australia chief executive Milton Catelin also hailed the passage of the legislation.
"This Bill, and the Strategic Agreement that underpins it, represents two years of consultation with industry, government and the wider sector to ensure that cost savings are delivered by industry, into the PBS.
"This serious contribution by the innovative pharmaceutical industry is just one way we provide incredible value to the taxpayer.
"Through the agreement we will deliver savings to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme of around $1.8 billion over the five-year term of the agreement," Catelin said.
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