The Turnbull Government is ensuring Australians get the best experience possible from community pharmacy and wants to hear from the entire pharmaceutical supply chain – including consumers – on how to deliver it.
The independent Panel for the Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation today released their Discussion Paper, with formal consultations and submissions to take place over the next two months.
Minister for Health Sussan Ley said the Review was looking at everything from important community obligations performed by pharmacists regarding the handling and dispensing of prescription medicines through to regulation and their expanding role in providing patient primary care, such as blood pressure checks and routine vaccinations.
“The Turnbull Government is committed to an integrated health system that ensures strong co-ordination between a patient’s healthcare team, as evidenced by our landmark Health Care Homes and My Health Record reforms,” Ms Ley said.
“As a regional member of parliament, I know first-hand that pharmacists are taking a greater role in a patient’s overall healthcare everyday – it’s no longer just about prescription medicines.
“This Government has made a strong commitment to recognising the important role pharmacists play through our Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement and this review is aimed at ensuring the next agreement continues to meet the future needs of Australians.
“I thank the independent review panel for their hard work so far in developing this discussion paper and look forward to the thought-provoking submissions it will no doubt generate to inform the next steps of the process.”
The Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation was a key part of the Sixth Community Pharmacy Agreement signed between the Turnbull Government and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia last year.
During July, August and September 2016, the Panel will undertake a national public consultation process. This will be extensive and will include public forums in each state and territory (including metro and regional centres), briefings at industry conferences and a public interactive live broadcast.
The Panel is keen to hear the thoughts and perspectives of all interested parties. All submissions to the Discussion Paper received before the closing date of 23 September 2016 will be reviewed and considered by the Panel.
The Discussion Paper and details on how to respond are available on the Review’s webpage.
Two short online surveys, specifically targeted at consumers and pharmacists, will also be offered in addition to written responses to the Discussion Paper during the consultation period.
