Pharmaceutical Society of Australia urges Senate to pass bill to aid Community Pharmacy Agreement

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) urged the nation's Senate not to delay passage of the National Health Amendment (Parmaceutical Benefits) Bill on Thursday.

PSA National President Grant Kardachi said that the bill needs to be passed by June 30 in order for the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) and its provisions to take effect.

“PSA has concerns about the removal of some over-the-counter medicines from the PBS (Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme), changes to the safety net and the introduction of a $1 discretionary copayment discount,” Kardachi said. “However, on the whole, we believe that it is imperative the bill is passed through the Senate as quickly as possible. The profession and the government can continue to work to address some of these concerns without delaying passage of the bill. The benefits to consumers from implementation of the CPA, including access to pharmacist-delivered professional services, must not be withheld.”

Kardachi said the bill would allow for new pharmacy funding and medicine pricing provisions and bring into effect multiple measures to guarantee a sustainable PBS.

“In addition, following advocacy by the PSA, the bill will enable the doubling of funding for pharmacist-delivered professional services,” Kardachi said. “These services demonstrably help to improve health outcomes while also reducing overall costs in the health system. PSA urges all senators to act in the public interest and vote to pass this bill.”