Pharmacy agreement good news for patients

Medicines Australia chief executive Dr Brendan Shaw today welcomed the finalisation of the Fifth Community Pharmacy Agreement between the Commonwealth Government and the Pharmacy Guild.

Dr Shaw said the agreement would help ensure all Australian patients had easier access to prescription medicines and patients provided with better services from pharmacists.

“Medicines Australia is looking forward to seeing the detail of the agreement but today’s announcement of the agreement’s key initiatives appears to be good news for patients,” Dr Shaw said.

“Medicines Australia member companies manufacture about 80 per cent of all prescription medicines on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

“This agreement puts in place the framework to ensure those medicines are available through pharmacies to all Australian patients, even in the most remote locations.

“Timely access to medicines is critical in ensuring an effective healthcare system.

“It is also extremely encouraging to note several medication management initiatives that encourage the principles of quality use of medicines.

“Pharmacy plays an important role in providing advice to patients about how medicines should be used, and the announcement of today’s agreement looks as though pharmacists will have the support and infrastructure available to be able to provide that advice effectively.”

–ENDS–

Contact Person:

Jamie Nicholson
Media Communications Manager
Phone: 0419 220 293
Email: Jamie.Nicholson@medicinesaustralia.com.au