PSA again calls for permanent continued dispensing arrangements

28 March 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is again calling on governments to make continued dispensing measures permanent.

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The National Health (Continued Dispensing – Emergency Measure) Determination 2023 allows Australians to access a one-off supply of their regular medicines from a pharmacist if they are separated from their medicines and cannot contact a prescriber.

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Current measures are set to expire on Sunday 31 March, reducing the list of medicines accessible from 755 molecules to only 150.

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PSA Chief Executive Officer Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris said the winding back of continued dispensing measures at the end of March may leave patients without access to their medicines.

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“Continued dispensing allows pharmacists to issue a single supply of a medicine when a patient cannot get in contact with their usual prescriber,” Adj. A/Prof. Morris said.

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“It is a safety net to ensure the continuity of care when they can’t get see a GP.

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“We’ve seen temporary continued dispensing measures introduced during natural disasters, which is important, but there are several scenarios where a permanent policy would help patients, from personal emergencies to natural disasters.

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“PSA is again urging the Federal Government to work with state and territory governments to permanently protect emergency access to medicines,” Adj. A/Prof Morris concluded.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au