A recent attempt to block the 60-day dispensing policy was voted down, meaning the plan to save patients $1.6 billlion over four years will begin from 1 September. Local pharmacies, however, say savings on scripts will only lead to losses at the checkout.  

Under the new dispensing policy, patients of certain medications will be able to buy two months worth of their medicine, saving them money on doctor consultations, and reducing demand on GPs. 

Bourke pharmacist John Rago said that alongside the changes, customers can expect to see higher prices for over-the-counter products and to be charged for previously free services. 

“The $36 they save for a script will just increase what they pay for a Panadol or tissues,” Mr Rago said. “A simple blood pressure or diabetic check up will be put up to $5 or so. All the services that we do for free will be done at an extra charge."

 

The need to charge extra for products and services is the result of pharmacies looking at a major loss in income following the 60-day dispensing policy, being able to charge once for filling scripts rather than twice. 

According to government analysis, it’s expected to cost individual pharmacies $150,000 annually, or $1.2 billion across Australia.

$138.2 million will be invested in regional, rural and remote pharmacies to assist with the transition.

Mr Rago is also concerned with the distribution of medication and strain on supplies as patients look to double their purchase. 

“A lot of stocks will not be used. Some stuff will be in houses that aren’t used, while other people can’t have them (due to a lack of supply),” he said. 

In Bourke, the local pharmacy fills 150-200 scripts each day. 

“In a regional area with a large Indigenous and agricultural population, we can’t afford to lose the only local pharmacies in the region.”

While pharmacists are concerned for patients, doctors are calling it a win for the rural population in particular, who won’t have to renew scripts as often. 

“This is a particular issue for elderly patients, many of whom are on long-term medication as well as being mobility and transport limited, and feel like they are constantly back and forth to town just to manage their medication supply,” said President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) Megan Belot

“This policy is a big money saver for patients, with general patients expected to save up to $180 a year per medicine, and those with concession cards a cut of $43.80 per medicine,” she said.

A survey conducted by the Pharmacy Guild found that 23 per cent of pharmacies have reduced their opening hours and over 50 per cent have increased fees for services. 250 pharmacy workers have been made redundant.