Longitudinal research from Insightfully, commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, found that more than 1 in 5 people have not filled a prescription in the past 3 years due to cost. This figure rises to 1 in 3 in regional Australia. Women, younger people, and those with dependents are most affected.

Pharmacy Guild National Councillor Mario Barone stresses the urgency of addressing this issue.

“We know what happens when people can’t afford their medicine – they get sicker,” he says. “Often there are complications that mean time off work, time in hospital and time recovering.”

Calls for government action 

Mr Barone urges the government to reduce the PBS general co-payment to ease financial pressure on patients.

“This non-inflationary measure would reduce out-of-pocket prescription costs for patients,” he says.

“Community pharmacists see patients struggling to afford their medicine every day.

“The government can, and should, take action to address these challenges and make sure medicine stops being a luxury item.”

Sydney pharmacist Claudia, echoes these concerns, explaining she sees multiple patients each week who are struggling to afford their medication.

“In the past 6 months I’d say 3-4 patients a week are struggling to afford their medication,” she says.

“We had a patient and realised he was only taking 50% of the medications he was meant to be taking just because he couldn’t afford to get all his medications.

“People are having to choose what they can and can’t get.”

Cost of living a top priority

With cost of living ranked as a top priority for voters, followed by healthcare, the Guild is calling on the government to act swiftly to improve medicine affordability.

“Australians are being forced to make tough choices between filling prescriptions and paying the rent, buying groceries and putting petrol in the car.

In the face of this evidence the government must act and make medicine more affordable by reducing the co-payment for general patients,” says Mr Barone.

For more information, visit: affordablemedicines.com.au.

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The passing of the Bill means Victorian paramedic practitioners will be able to assess, diagnose and treat patients in the field, make clinical decisions and ultimately take the pressure off emergency departments.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch, welcomes the new laws with Victoria Branch President George Tambassis saying the passing of the Bill is “another important step towards improved access to healthcare for patients in Victoria”.

These new laws follow the successful Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot (the Pilot), which has been extended until 30 June 2025.

The Pilot has allowed more than 20,000 Victorian patients to receive treatment at their local community pharmacy for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), oral contraceptive resupply, shingles and flare-ups of mild plaque psoriasis, and travel health vaccinations.

Advocating for health access equality, Mr Tambassis says “the Pilot is an important first step for community pharmacists to deliver more for Victorian patients”.

“Victorian patients should be able to access the same services that are already available at community pharmacies in other states and territories,” he says.

“The Guild is committed to actively working with the Allan Government to enable pharmacists to practice at their full scope and provide prescribing and clinical services to patients for 24 everyday health conditions, including acute nausea and vomiting, hay fever, asthma, acute wound management, gastro-oesophageal reflux and more.”

The Guild emphasises that enabling pharmacists to practice to full scope would not only align with the expanded role of paramedic practitioners but also build on Victoria’s 2024 reforms, which allow authorised midwives to prescribe Schedule 2, 3, 4, and 8 medicines within their full scope of practice.

“Enabling a range of healthcare professionals – paramedics, midwives and community pharmacists – to do more for patients will significantly enhance healthcare outcomes for Victorians while taking pressure off our healthcare system,” says Mr Tambassis.

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‘A significant step forward for healthcare in the NT’

“The expansion of the Scheduled Substance Treatment Protocol (SSTP) is a significant step forward for healthcare in the Northern Territory,” says Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Northern Territory Branch President Peter Hatswell.

“It recognises the vital role pharmacists play in our communities and their ability to practice at the peak of their scope in vaccination services.”

Expansion of vaccination services 

The updated SSTP aligns with the Australian Immunisation Handbook (AIH), allowing pharmacists to administer any vaccine listed in the protocol to eligible individuals.

The alignment with the AIH not only broadens the range of vaccines pharmacists can provide but also brings the NT in line with other jurisdictions across Australia.

A key highlight of this expansion is the introduction of new vaccination services.

“From February 2025, expectant mothers can receive the free RSV vaccine Abrysvo® at their local pharmacy under the National Immunisation Program,” says Mr Hatswell.

“We’re also excited about the potential for pharmacies to offer the NT-funded Meningococcal B vaccine for teenagers, which would further enhance our ability to protect the health of young Territorians.

“Since 2015, NT pharmacists have demonstrated their commitment to safe and effective vaccination services.

“The new Scheduled Substance Treatment Protocol acknowledges their professional expertise and enables pharmacists to provide critical immunisation services that meet the diverse healthcare needs of Territorians.”

Pharmacists key to improving vaccination rates across the NT

With their convenient locations and extended operating hours, community pharmacies are well-positioned to improve vaccination rates and expand access to immunisation services across the NT.

The Guild says this decision will ‘undoubtedly contribute to better health outcomes for our population’.

“The Pharmacy Guild looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the NT Government to enhance primary healthcare services and ensure they remain as accessible as possible for all Territorians,” says Mr Hatswell.

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This year, two pharmacists, Anna Barwick of Walcha, NSW, and Dr Craig Rayner of Aireys Inlet, Victoria, were honoured.

South Australia’s Sobia and Irfan Hashmi were named finalists in the Australian Local Heroes Award.

• Dr Craig Rayner, Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)

Dr Craig Rayner was appointed a Companion of the Order of Australia in recognition of his significant service to pharmacology across a range of roles and organisations. His contributions include Craig aiding in the development of the antiparasitic drug moxidectin, critical for treating river blindness in Africa, and leading efforts to develop the breakthrough antiviral medicine Tamiflu. Dr Rayner’s ongoing work on mRNA-derived vaccines has further cemented his legacy in global healthcare.

• Anna Barwick, Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Anna Barwick, a Walcha-based pharmacist, academic, and founder of PharmOnline, was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her services to the pharmacy profession. A resident of Walcha for more than a decade, Ms Barwick has also worked as a pharmacist at Tamworth and Armidale hospitals and as an academic at the University of New England. She recently completed a PhD focussed on telepharmacy.

• Sobia and Irfan Hashmi, South Australia’s Local Heroes

Over 20 years, Sobia and Irfan have transformed healthcare in remote and rural communities in South Australia, by establishing six pharmacies in areas where there were previously none. Mr and Mrs Hashmi are committed to serving their diverse communities. They employ staff who collectively speak 21 languages, allowing them to reach vulnerable populations and provide culturally sensitive healthcare.

‘Wide-ranging commitment to the community’

Together with Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey, the Guild applauds the honorees and celebrates all pharmacists for their dedication and service.

“This year’s award winners demonstrate a wide-ranging commitment not only to our profession but most importantly, to their patients and community,” says Professor Twomey.

“I’d like to extend that acknowledgement to all our community pharmacists, their assistants and employees, many of whom are working on this Australia Day.

“Community pharmacy is the most accessible frontline health service, serving Australians each and every day.”

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Naloxone can rapidly reverse the effects of opioid overdose and is available as a nasal spray and an injectable. The national Take Home Naloxone program aims to increase access to this potentially life-saving medicine by making it available for free without a prescription through community pharmacies across Australia.

The program provides individuals, families, friends, and community members with the ability to respond quickly to opioid overdose and potentially save a life.

Registered pharmacist Emily Turkovic is passionate about increasing the awareness of Take Home Naloxone having lost her brother, Isaac to an accidental overdose three years ago. Ms Turkovic said that there are still major misconceptions in the community about opioid emergencies and a lack of awareness of naloxone and that it can be accessed for free.

Pharmacist Emily Turkovic, “My brother lost his life to an accidental overdose. If there was access to Take Home Naloxone he may be here today. Every Australian has the potential to save someone’s life, it could be your friend, neighbour, a stranger or even your brother.”

“One life lost to a reversible opioid emergency is one too many.”

“Let’s help break the stigma of opioid overdoses by educating patients that it can happen to anyone, at any time and that having access to Naloxone can help save lives.”

Queensland Mental Health Commission, Commissioner, Ivan Frkovic, “Think of naloxone like an EpiPen, it is lifesaving, take Home Naloxone is an essential tool in preventing overdose in Queensland.

“Overdose prevention is a priority for the Queensland Mental Health Commission.

“We’re happy to see many pharmacies already registered to supply Take Home Naloxone and encourage community members to speak with their local pharmacy about access.”

Community members can find pharmacies and organisations that registered to supply Take Home Naloxone here: health.gov.au/our-work/take-home-naloxone-program/where-to-access-naloxone

To become an approved provider of Take Home Naloxone, pharmacies can register via the Pharmacy Programs Administrator Portal – Pharmacy Programs Administrator – Home ppaonline.com.au/

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Australians are reminded to ‘think pharmacy first’ for the treatment of everyday health conditions, as pharmacists across the country, upskill to deliver more for patients.

Many community pharmacists are now delivering an increased range of everyday health services including vaccinations, the prescription of hormonal contraceptives and the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

New data confirms pharmacists are highly trusted, with 82 per cent of Australians saying they have confidence in their pharmacist to provide health advice for common, non-complex conditions.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President and Cairns pharmacist, Professor Trent Twomey, said pharmacists were doing more for their patients than ever before, providing Australians with more choice and more affordable primary health care options.

“Already highly qualified health professionals, pharmacists are upskilling to increase the scope of the services they deliver, including being able issue prescriptions and advice for minor ailments like earaches, skin conditions and UTIs and administering a range of vaccinations,” said Professor Twomey.

“Pharmacists are a critical part of a holistic health system. We are putting our hands up to do more, to take the pressure off GPs and, more importantly, to keep Australians out of emergency departments,” Professor Twomey said.

“With pharmacy playing a more versatile role in the health care system, Australians with more serious conditions can be seen by their GP faster, when they need it most.”

New research reveals overwhelming support for pharmacists to step up, with 9 in 10 Australians saying they backed pharmacists to offer more primary health care services.
The data also shows pharmacists are highly trusted, with 82 per cent of Australians saying they have confidence in their pharmacist to provide health advice for common, non-complex conditions.

“The good news is with more than 36,107 pharmacists working across 5,900 community pharmacies nationwide, access to health care services has the potential to be better than ever.

“More than 95 per cent of metropolitan Australians live within 2.5 kilometres of a pharmacy, with 83 per cent of regional Australians within five kilometres. Many pharmacies are open evenings and weekends, further facilitating access.

“Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and the ACT have all launched programs allowing community pharmacists to provide more health care services to their patients.

“These programs bring Australia in line with countries like England, Wales, Canada, and New Zealand, allowing patients to have a greater choice in how and where they access their frontline health care services,” Professor Twomey said.

“On this World Pharmacist Day, we celebrate the critical role community pharmacies play in keeping Australians healthy and easing the burden on the greater health care system.”

Visit www.findapharmacy.com.au

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The 8CPA will mean Australian patients continue to receive cheaper medicines, and worldclass healthcare from their local pharmacies.

The 8CPA, which will commence on 1 July 2024 will provide a better deal for pharmacies and delivers a funding boost of $3 billion and a total $26.5 billion in funding over five years including:

• $22.5 billion for community pharmacies to dispense prescriptions
• $2.1 billion for a new Additional Community Supply Support Payment
• $1.05 billion over five years for other pharmacy services and programs, including Dose Administration Aids, MedsChecks, Staged Supply of medicines, and an increased Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance
• $484.4 million to cover the costs of a one-year freeze on the maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment for everyone with a Medicare card and up to a five-year freeze for pensioners and other Commonwealth concession cardholders
• $196.7 million to increase the number of patients who can receive funded Dose Administration Aid services
• $103.3 million for new and improved pharmacy programs

The agreement will give community pharmacies more financial certainty and will support a sustainable pharmacy network across Australia.

From 1 July 2024, the Government is establishing a new Additional Community Supply Support Payment, which will replace the Regional Pharmacy Transition Allowance (RPTA).

The Additional Community Supply Support Payment will give pharmacists more confidence to continue delivering services for their patients, particularly cheaper medicines through 60-day prescribing, without increasing patient fees.

The 8CPA will deliver even more cost-of-living relief through cheaper medicines, thanks to the temporary freeze on indexation of PBS co-payments.

This is in addition to the more than $370 million Australians have already saved through last year’s cut to the maximum patient co‑payment and the introduction of 60-day prescriptions.

Consultations on the 8CPA have been extensive, with more than 100 meetings held with more than 20 organisations. These have focused on priority issues for Australian patients and pharmacies.

The Government has also signed a Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice Standards with the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).

Commencing from 1 July 2024, this five-year agreement will ensure the standards governing pharmacists in Australia remain fit for purpose.

The PSA will develop, review and update a number of practice standards, guidelines, codes, and competency frameworks to support community pharmacists to operate to a consistent standard and at the highest level of practice.

The Government will begin discussions with the PSA and select stakeholders regarding pharmacy programs not included in the 8CPA.

Minister Butler said,

“The Albanese Government is delivering cheaper medicines for all Australians.

“Australians trust their local pharmacist to look after their health needs.

“This new agreement will support pharmacists to deliver more services and cheaper medicines.

“The agreements we have struck are a win for patients who will benefit from cheaper medicines and more pharmacy services.

“I want to the thank the Pharmacy Guild, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, and the wide range of stakeholders who have engaged in this process to deliver better health outcomes for Australians.”

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The survey showed that half of all women are impacted by issues related to periods, pregnancy, birth, postnatal care, or other conditions such as endometriosis. 60 per cent of participants reported positive healthcare interactions, but one in three said that they had experienced disrespectful practitioners who left them feeling dismissed and unheard.

The Inquiry will examine systematic issues and solutions and hear directly from women across Victoria. The panel will be led by Women’s Health Advisory Council, submissions are set to open on 30 January.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said, “This won’t be a mic drop moment for the majority of Victoria’s population, because every woman has either experienced it for herself or knows someone who has. But now we have the evidence to prove it.”

“It’s time we stopped treating women’s health like some kind of niche issue. We deserve to have our pain believed and relieved.”

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomed the Inquiry. Victorian Branch Vice President, Grace Chong, said: “This inquiry is an important opportunity to improve the care and treatment of pain conditions for girls and women across Victoria.

“By listening to the pain and pain management experiences of girls and women, this inquiry will identify the issues and opportunities to improve the care, treatment and services of pain conditions.

“Pain is an issue that many Victorian women suffer from every day. In fact, a recent Victorian Government survey found that four in 10 women in this state live with chronic pain.

“Whether this is pain associated with periods, pregnancy and birth related pain, or for the management of conditions like endometriosis, or the symptoms of perimenopause or menopause, it is vital that girls and women are confident they can access treatment and care from a trusted health practitioner, which can, of course, include their community pharmacist.

“The Guild also encourages community pharmacists to make a submission to this inquiry. Sharing your experiences of the current care, treatment and services for pain conditions as part of this inquiry will help to identify opportunities for future improvement.”

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The finalists are:

• Chemist Discount Centre Gosnells, WA
• Emerton Amcal Pharmacy, NSW
• Priceline Pharmacy Kincumber, NSW
• Colonnades Terry White Chemmart, SA
• Capital Chemist Southlands, ACT
• Narrabri Pharmacy, NSW

In addition to the Pharmacy of the Year Award, the four other Award categories are:

• Excellence in Business Management
• Excellence in Community Engagement
• Excellence in Professional Innovation
• Excellence in Harm Minimisation

The winners of these categories and 2024 Pharmacy of the Year will be announced at the 2024 APP conference on the Gold Coast from March 14 to 17.

Senior National Vice-President of the Guild, Nick Panayiaris said he is impressed at the standard of candidates this year.

“This year’s finalists have truly demonstrated the value of community pharmacies in supporting their local communities,” Mr Panayiaris said.

“They have shown dedication to patient care even with the uncertainty they are facing following recent policy decisions.”

“It’s a real commitment to putting patients first, whether that be through technology and innovation, or good old-fashioned face to face consultations.”

The principal sponsor of the Awards is Care Pharmaceuticals. Care’s General manager Jonathan Biddle says the Awards acknowledge those pharmacies which were at the forefront of innovation in the country.

“Community pharmacy continues to deliver in all situations to ensure that they meet the needs of their patients and their community by providing comprehensive, holistic health services, medication safety and advice, through well-managed pharmacies,” Mr Biddle said.

“At Care Pharmaceuticals, we are proud to sponsor this important recognition of outstanding community pharmacies, and our sponsorship reflects our ongoing commitment to patients and pharmacies in the sector.”

The Guild Pharmacy of the Year category sponsor of the Excellence in Business Management Award is Australian Pharmaceutical Industries (API).

The Harm Minimisation category is a new initiative in the Guild’s Pharmacy of the Year Awards program, and is sponsored by Camurus, Indivior, and StrongRoom AI.

The Pharmacy Guild says it is committed to supporting harm reduction associated with drug or alcohol misuse through the provision and use of services from community pharmacies.

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