STATE and Terrority Governments may need to revisit COVID-19 business support measures including rental relief programs, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Health Economics and Policy Committee Chair, Anthony Tassone, believes.
With relief provided under the NSW Government's Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 set today, Tassone told Pharmacy Daily that throughout the pandemic "the Guild has had concerns about the ability of some pharmacies... to maintain their rental payments".
Tassone warned that without necessary rental support for pharmacies in areas that have been most severely impacted by the latest wave of the pandemic from authorities and landlords, patients' access to medicines could be impacted.
"Community pharmacies are not only an important tenant for any shopping centre, but more importantly they are a critical part of our primary healthcare system -- and if a pharmacy is forced to vacate their premises due to lease and rental pressures, it's ultimately patients that lose out," he said.
"What the current events of the Omicron variant spreading rapidly across the country are showing is that this pandemic is far from over, and businesses across multiple industries continue to face many challenges particularly with workforce to keep their doors open and for ongoing service delivery.
"We hope that landlords take a long-term view with regards to their pharmacy tenants.
"Community pharmacies are a resilient and stable business, but like any other business cannot afford to pay above-the odds rent.
"During the pandemic, there have been occasions where State governments have provided business support to business owners who have been impacted by COVID-19 restrictions, including pharmacies, which have been of great benefit to meet immediate financial obligations.
"Revisiting these business support programs can't be ruled out should the need arise.
"The Guild provides a range of resources for members including the annual Guild Rental report to help support members in their negotiations and discussions with landlords."
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