Pharmacists on distribution
December 21, 2010
PHARMACISTS are extremely
concerned about Pfizer’s direct
distribution decision and the impact
it will have on their business,
according to Symbion’s Pharmacy
Services ceo, Patrick Davies.
The comments come out of
discussions with pharmacists at
forums held in Sydney, Perth,
Adelaide and Launceston, in the
wake of Pfizer’s announcement that
it will move to an exclusive distribution
model from 31 January next year.
“These forums were an opportunity
for pharmacies from across
Australia to share their views on the
implications for them and their
businesses of major pharmaceutical
suppliers choosing to supply
pharmacy via an exclusive direct
distribution channel,” said Davies.
Key issues raised in the forums
include a concern that the new
direct to pharmacy distribution
model would be more expensive
and would adversely affect patient
care; and that with cutting out
distributors there will be a lack of
back-up in the direct supply chain
meaning that there would be no
secondary same-day source available.
“Pharmacists are telling us that
they are extremely concerned about
the impact of an exclusive distribution
model on a number of areas of
their business,” Davies said.
Symbion has also said that it is in
the process of collating the issues
raised at the forums and
communicating them in letters to its
3000+ customers.
The letters will also include a call
to action for industry members to
voice their concerns by writing to
the Pharmacy Guild of Australia,
local Federal MPs, the AMA, local
prescribing GPs, and the Federal
Minister for Health.
“If the industry wants to protect
the viability of the competitive full
line wholesale system, then it must
act now to make its voice heard in
the debate,” said Davies.
The forums will wrap up this week
with sessions in Qld and Viccontact
Symbion for details.
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