PROFESSIONAL Pharmacists Australia (PPA) has urged caution about the implementation of 60-day medication dispensing for community pharmacies and has cited several concerns.
PPA says the potential impact of the policy on employee pharmacists it represents requires further consideration, particularly in regional locations where communities rely heavily on their local pharmacy.
The Federal Govt has indicated that it will be investing more funding in regional pharmacy in the upcoming budget and "we look forward to receiving more information about the extent and nature of the reinvestment," stated a PPA spokesperson.
The organisation noted that overwork remains a problem for many employee pharmacists, and "60-day dispensing may assist in alleviating unsustainable workloads for employee pharmacists.
The spokesperson added that "these workloads will further increase under the Pharmacy Guild's proposal to expand the scope of practice for community pharmacists.
"Additionally, the implications of 60-day dispensing for both the employment and remuneration of employee pharmacists, one of the lowest-paid professions in Australia, must also be considered.
"We are also troubled by reports that our members have been approached to join the Pharmacy Guild's campaign against the dispensing policy on the basis they will lose their jobs.
"Employees have the right to abstain from political campaigns and if you feel you are being pressured to participate, contact us for advice and support."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 02 May 23
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