The RACGP has hailed the passage of 60-day medicine dispensing reforms which will bring immediate benefits for some of Australia’s most vulnerable people.
This reform is widely supported by patient and consumer groups. It will double the amount of medicines that pharmacists can dispense for stable conditions, on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, from 30 to 60 days – saving patients at least $180 a year and more if they’re taking multiple medicines.
RACGP President Dr Nicole Higgins hailed it as a great day for patients across Australia.
“This is progressive policy, and it puts patients first,” she said.
“60-day dispensing will make a big difference for some of the most vulnerable people in our communities, who are struggling with rising costs.
“It will save patients at least $180 a year, and more if they’re taking multiple medicines, as well as reducing trips to get medicine, and freeing up GP appointments for other people who need them. Many people living with chronic and ongoing conditions in Australia will see immediate benefits.
“As a GP from Mackay, I know patients in rural Australia deserve this change. 30-day dispensing has been an unnecessary financial pain, and a real burden for people who have a long drive to their nearest pharmacy or who find it difficult to leave their homes. It’s not necessary for people who’ve been on the same medications for stable conditions for years and years.
“I commend the Senators who put patients first today and passed these reforms. It shows that the voices of patients can be heard in our political capital, and that progressive health reform that puts health consumers at the centre can and does happen.
“The government is reinvesting all saving from today’s change back into community pharmacy, plus providing an extra $148.2 million to help regional and rural pharmacies adjust to the change. This is important and the RACGP welcomed it.
“Australia needs a strong and sustainable primary care sector, with GPs working in teams with other specialists, pharmacists, allied health and nurses, for the best outcomes for our patients. Because everyone needs access to high quality care, no matter where they live or what they earn.
“I want to thank those who helped to support this important change for patients over the past several months: National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, Consumer Health Forum, Asthma Australia, Lung Foundation Australia, The Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, Breast Cancer Network Australia, Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, Australian Multicultural Health Collaborative and the Australian Medical Association.”
60-day medicine dispensing will:
- Benefit approximately 6 million people with chronic and ongoing conditions – including a significant number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) Australians who have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions.
- Save consumers up to $180 a year and more for people taking multiple medicines.
- Mean fewer trips to pick up medicines and repeat scripts, saving people time and money, and freeing up GP appointments for other patients.
- Bring Australia into line with other high-income countries like New Zealand, the USA and Canada, where people already have access to multiple months of medication on a single prescription.
- Improve system equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who suffer more from chronic disease. There is strong evidence showing the value of medicine cost reduction for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
- Increase convenience for consumers, which will increase medication adherence.
- Implement a recommendation from the independent Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). PBAC has dismissed claims the change would cause medication shortages.