COMMUNITY Service Obligation (CSO) wholesalers have moved to allay concerns over the pharmacy supply chain highlighted by the Rural Pharmacy Network Australia (RPNA) (PD yesterday).
Responding to the RPNA's assertion that "deep-pocketed players" in the community pharmacy sector have been using the COVID-19 pandemic to game the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for their own commercial advantage, National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA) Executive Director, Elizabeth Cuming, told Pharmacy Daily, that CSO wholesalers were working to ensure the integrity of the supply chain.
"NPSA members are working closely with suppliers to replenish stock as it becomes available and has a range of contingency measures in place to meet extraordinary and evolving circumstances," she said.
"We understand the pressure on all parts of the supply chain and appreciate the extreme difficulties being faced by our pharmacy customers.
"Member of the NPSA have taken proactive measures in consultation with the Government and the CSO Agency to help manage demand for medicines due to the COVID-19 emergency.
"With special approval from the Government agency, measures were put in place last week to limit order quantities and help ensure equitable access to medicines for all Australians, no matter where they live.
"These measures are under hourly review as the situation evolves.
"It is important to note that no pharmacy brand, organisation or order is being prioritised at this time.
"Metropolitan and rural pharmacies are being serviced equally."
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