THE Govt is investing $148.2m in regional, rural and remote pharmacies to offset 60DD revenue reduction, said Federal Health Minister Mark Butler (pictured) at this weekend's PSA23 conference.
"This new transition payment will provide additional support for more than 1,000 pharmacies in regional, rural and remote Australia.
"Pharmacies hold a special place in rural and regional Australia - they're a critical part of the fabric of a community and are often the most accessible health setting.
"We want to make sure that regional and rural pharmacies are given the opportunity to seize these new growth opportunities, just like city pharmacies.
"The four-year funding, which begins on 01 Sep, will help pharmacies adjust to the transition to 60-day prescriptions," he shared.
Pharmacies in regional, rural and remote Australia, or areas two to seven under the Modified Monash classification method, with average script volumes equalling dispensing income of under $1 million in the 12 months to 01 Apr, will be eligible to receive a new Regional Pharmacy Transition Allowance, stated a government statement.
The transition allowance is additional support over four years of $52,030 in a regional centre or outer suburb (MM2); $396,909 in a large rural town (MM3); $344,697 in a medium rural town (MM4); $338,477 in a small rural town (MM5); $213,391 in a remote community (MM6); and $198,263 for a very remote community (MM7).
The new allowance is in addition to the "doubling" of the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance (RPMA), which came into effect on 01 Jul, the govt statement revealed.
The RPMA increase means that a pharmacy dispensing 50,000 scripts a year will likely receive over four years $24,000 in a large rural town (MM3); $41,440 in a medium rural town (MM4); $70,880 in a small rural town (MM5); $100,320 in a remote community (MM6); and $129,760 in a very remote community (MM7).
"When combined, the two allowances will mean that the average reduction in dispensing revenue will be offset this financial year, with continuing support and a gradual step down over four years, as the patient uptake of 60DD increases," Butler explained.
Starting this year, the National Scope of Practice Review will identify barriers and incentives for all health professionals.
From 01 Jan 2024, the National Immunisation Program will be expanded to include pharmacists, to be paid the same as doctors to administer a vaccine.
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