The Guild and PSA are concerned the model risks patient-centred care, diminishes the established relationship between patients and their pharmacist and reduces opportunities for face-to-face clinical interaction where medicine-related problems can be identified and addressed.
They believe this represents a clinically inferior model of care.
The concerns are not being raised by pharmacists alone, GPs and other healthcare stakeholders have also warned about the risks of inferior care, higher costs due to delivery charges and medicine compliance issues.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey said:
“This proposal is a concern to every Australian who values an independent and patient-focused healthcare system. Medicines aren’t ordinary consumer products and pharmacists aren’t simply fulfilment centres. Pharmacists identify medicine-related problems, provide counselling and help patients use their medicines safely and effectively.
“This model risks replacing that relationship with a transactional supply chain driven by Big Pharma. Today it’s one medicine from one manufacturer.
“We should not allow the Americanisation of Australian healthcare.”
PSA National President Professor Mark Naunton said dispensing is a clinical service, and patient safety, quality use of medicines and patient choice must remain central to any dispensing arrangement.
“Pharmacists have a professional responsibility to assess prescriptions, identify potential medicine-related problems, provide appropriate counselling, and help patients use their medicines safely and effectively. Any dispensing arrangement must allow pharmacists to fulfil those responsibilities.
“A patient’s regular pharmacist knows their medicines and can work closely with their GP and other prescribers to identify and resolve concerns. That strong working relationship supports safe care. Patients should remain free to choose their pharmacy and have a meaningful opportunity to speak with their pharmacist.”
Australia’s health system should not be Americanised.