Last Wednesday 11 January, Glen Clark, co-owner of T+C Pharmacy Mackay proudly welcomed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to his recently renovated community pharmacy.
Commenting on the Australian Government’s historic change to the PBS general co-payment policy, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met with a local patient, who is one of many now benefitting from the significant reduction.
From 1 January 2023, the PBS co-payment for general patients was reduced from $42.50 to $30.00. This amount will then be indexed on the first day of every new year, from 1 January 2024.
Highlighting the significant savings for families, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the reduction will make a substantial difference, particularly for families.
“For a family with two or three kids, they can see a reduction of $450 a year. So, it's making a big difference for people who rely upon medicines, who have that important relationship with their local pharmacist,” said Mr Albanese.
Glen said it was an honour to meet the Prime Minister and also introduce local patient, Jeff Clement who shared his own experience with the cost of his medications.
“I have four scripts a month. Now I'm saving over $50, which is a big help for us at home. Just over the last year or so things just went up and up and other things had to come down at home,” said Jeff.
Co-owner of T+C Pharmacy Glen Clark said the reduction in the co-payment from $42.50, down to the $30 mark, a patient can receive a saving of $150 per script within the first 12 months.
“That's a massive saving for non-concessional patients, and it will make a big difference for those people that are struggling with the rising costs of cost of living. No patient should ever have to choose between medication and food on the table,” said Glen.
When asked whether the change in policy is going to help bring more pharmacists into regional Queensland, Glen spoke about the highly anticipated North Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot for community pharmacists that will result in better patient outcomes.
"There's a lot of healthcare reform that is being introduced within Queensland that may bring more pharmacists to the region such as the full scope of practice pilot.”
The North Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot (Full Scope), which will be available to patients in 2024, will allow patients the option to seek treatment in their community pharmacy for common everyday conditions and gain access to treatments prescribed by their community pharmacist, as well as reduce the risk of and assist patients manage some chronic diseases.
The Pilot framework ensures collaboration between a patient, their pharmacist and GP through active communication and referrals, meaning patients will have more options for getting timely access to treatment.
Before heading off, the Prime Minister also publicly acknowledged the pharmacy profession and praised the proactive response of community pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic, including administering vaccinations, as well as continuing to provide outstanding healthcare support to communities.
“Can I give a shout-out to all of the pharmacists around Australia. It has been a tough time going through COVID and dealing with people's health issues.
“A pharmacist is more than just another shop, they are someone that they can rely upon to give that basic assistance and advice.
“During the pandemic, we saw pharmacists vaccinate so many tens of thousands of Australians and make a difference,” said Mr Albanese.