THE Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has swung into urgent action in recent weeks after highlighting a revision to private and public hospital pharmacy pricing as part of the 2019 Federal Budget.
The previously unheralded cuts will reduce wholesale markups on Section 85 medicines from the current 11.1% uncapped level, to 7.52% of the approved ex-manufacturer price.
According to preliminary SHPA estimates the changes could result in a "significant reduction in funding across hospitals nationally," with the Society's CEO Kristin Michaels saying "we are concerned the impact of the proposed cuts may negate some of the great achievements made by hospital pharmacists in the provision of safe and quality patient care in recent decades".
Michaels said the new pricing regime is set to be introduced on 01 Jul 2019, with SHPA planning to advocate to the incoming government to prevent or reduce any negative impacts.
She also encouraged SHPA members to ensure the CEOs of their respective health services were aware of the planned change, and to stay in touch with local SHPA representatives as appropriate.
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