THE details of the eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) will take centre stage at the upcoming Pharmacy Connect conference, where the comprehensive education program has just been unveiled.
The event promises a lineup featuring pre-conference workshops, a 70-stand trade exhibition, and networking opportunities like the welcome reception and cocktail party.
Former Guild national President and convenor Kos Sclavos (pictured) shared insights into this year's event whose theme is 'connect today, shape tomorrow', emphasising its relevance for pharmacists, owners, executives, students, interns, and industry representatives alike.
Set to unfold at the Hyatt Regency Sydney from 05-07 Sep, Pharmacy Connect aims to foster dialogue and innovation within the pharmaceutical community.
"Everyone I speak to is very keen to get an update on the details of the 8CPA," said Sclavos, underscoring the conference's approach to addressing pressing industry concerns.
"Pharmacy Connect is a very practical pharmacy conference that will give pharmacy staff the support they need at this difficult business time," he told Pharmacy Daily.
With discussions set to delve into facets of the 8CPA, Sclavos stressed the importance of proactive planning to maximise its benefits.
He particularly highlighted the impending impact of the 60-Day Dispensing (60DD) policy, slated to affect pharmacies nationwide from 01 Sep.
"While no two pharmacies are the same, let me be clear - every pharmacy will suffer a detrimental financial impact from the 60DD policy," Sclavos cautioned.
To mitigate these challenges, he emphasised the need for informed decision-making and strategic adaptation across operations.
Business strategies aimed at offsetting the policy's impact will be a focal point at the conference, ranging from optional $1 discount, charging for Dose Administration Aid packs to delivery fee rates.
Sclavos advocated for leveraging available IT tools like Informacy, to monitor and navigate the evolving landscape effectively.
In addition to addressing immediate concerns, Pharmacy Connect will offer delegates valuable insights and resources for long-term sustainability such as "incremental business builders, as no one measure can offset the significant impact of the 60DD", Sclavos commented.
This will include measures such a refocus on generic substitution, biosimilars, implementing the National Immunisation Program, harm minimisation services, using PharmaPrograms, viewing medicinal cannabis as a category, and having a plan for full scope, Sclavos added.
"This year's event caters to everyone," Sclavos said, and includes a pre-conference workshop on full scope of practice and harm minimisation, a women in leadership breakfast, clinical updates and business sessions.
Notable speakers, including financial journalist Effie Zahos and Olympian Peter Bol (PD 29 Apr), will deliver perspectives on topics ranging from economic trends to personal growth.
For the full program CLICK HERE, and to register see HERE. JG
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