Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud referred to the funding as a ‘peace deal, which is currently at a ‘heads of agreement’ stage with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Guild) and the federal government.
Mr Littleproud said the government’s “ill thought-out changes” to the PBS were always going to have unintended consequences, but the new agreement would help regional, rural and remote communities and those set to be most impacted, with the funding to be given over five years from July.
“The Nationals are proud to back our regional pharmacists, which, in many cases, are the last line for access to health and healthcare,” Mr Littleproud said.
“The PBS changes were an example of the Labor Government’s failure to understand the essential needs of everyday regional Australians and the consequences of 60-day dispensing.
“Labor did not think through the ramifications for regional, rural and remote Australia, which leads to community pharmacies struggling to stock the medicine required.
Mulwala Pharmacy owner Abbey Hammon welcomed the funding agreement after expressing her concerns last August in the Yarrawonga Chronicle about the real possibility of having to cut hours, staff and services due to the impact on the pharmacy’s income as a result of the 60-day dispensing, which started September 1, 2023.
“It is a little bit of relief in what is a very stressful time for rural pharmacy,” Ms Hammon said.
“Anything to help us stay open for our local customers is very pleasing to hear.
“However, let’s hope there are added assurances in the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement,” Ms Hammon said.
Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health Dr Anne Webster said the extra funding was a positive move after months of campaigning.
“This is another example of the Labor government having no idea of the challenges facing regional communities,” Dr Webster said.
“Without GPs and pharmacies, towns will struggle to survive. We need our local pharmacies as an essential healthcare hub,” Dr Webster said.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Guild) reached a historic Heads of Agreement with the federal government to secure Australia’s 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) mid-this month.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey said the Guild has always been fully committed to signing a CPA that delivers more affordable medicines to patients while ensuring a vibrant and growing community pharmacy industry.
Professor Twomey says the Guild will now negotiate the finer details of the agreement with the government over the coming weeks.
“We thank the government, in particular the Prime Minister and Health Minister and the Department for the months of effort and work to reach this point,” Mr Twomey said.
“Once the details are settled, the Guild will be travelling around the country via our State of the Industry Roadshows.
“The Guild will explain to our members and the industry what is included in the agreement, the benefits for patients and the bright future ahead for community pharmacy.”
The Guild will aim to finalise the 8CPA as soon as possible, with a commencement date of July 1, 2024.
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