DOCTORS will soon be given new options from September this year once the 60 day Prescribing Policy is implemented in Australia.
Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann said that recommendations for the 60 day prescribing policy had come from the Independent Pharmaceutical Benefit Advisory Committee.
“This new change will bring Australia in line with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, France and Canada and it is a very good outcome,” he said.
“Once implemented, the policy is going to provide doctors with the option to prescribe a two month script for over 300 medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
“This change is supported by many member organisations including the Australia Medical Association and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
“Already, from January 1, this year, the maximum co-payment was reduced for a prescription medicine from $42.50 to $30 and is already saving consumers and the public in the Blair electorate over $337,000 dollars on nearly 27,000 prescriptions.
“And the government already funds wholesalers $200 million a year to deliver medicines to pharmacies around Australia.
“If pharmacies are running low on medicine wholesalers are required to deliver to that pharmacy anywhere in Australia within 24 hours and from July 1, 2023 drug makers will be required to keep a six -month supply for certain medications.
“The demand for medicines will remain unchanged, so the reform will not affect medicine availability and it will not add shortages.
“At least 6 million Australian’s will halve their medicine costs and with inflation running at over 7 percent fewer visits to the general practitioner will save money and it will halve the cost of medicine.
“This change is a positive one, and it will benefit the public massively.”
