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I am writing as a concerned member of your electorate to urgently address an issue that threatens the survival of community pharmacies and their essential services, and will impact millions of Australians.
I request your immediate assistance in supporting the Save Your Local Pharmacy campaign, encouraging the Government to reconsider their rushed decision to implement 60-day dispensing and without consulting the experts.
The consequences of this policy change are dire, with an estimated loss of 20,818 jobs, reduced pharmacy opening hours, and potential closure of 665 pharmacies. These impacts will disproportionately affect people in regional and remote areas, the elderly, and families with young children, exacerbating healthcare disparities.
We remind you of the promises made by the Australian Labor Party, emphasising their commitment to the central role of community pharmacies in primary healthcare. It is essential to hold the Federal Government accountable for breaking their promise to patients and the Community Pharmacy sector.
We implore you to reconsider the Government's decision on 60-day dispensing and encourage them to initiate renewed discussions between themselves, independent experts, and community pharmacy representatives. Collaborative efforts can help find a mutually beneficial solution that saves Australian jobs and preserves essential services and the well-being of our communities.
Your immediate support in this matter is crucial to ensure the sustainability of community pharmacies and the provision of accessible healthcare services. We kindly request your assistance in championing the cause of the Save Your Local Pharmacy campaign.
Thank you for your attention to this pressing issue. We eagerly await your response and actions in support of the campaign.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]</textarea>
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</form>Text Content
* ABOUT
* QUESTIONNAIRE
* SHARE YOUR STORY
* PATIENT VIDEOS
* FAQ's
* TAKE ACTION
* SIGN THE PETITION
* EMAIL YOUR MP
60-DAY DISPENSING MEANS…
How will it cost you?
DEMAND THE GOVERNMENT RECONSIDER 60-DAY DISPENSING
TAKE OUR QUESTIONNAIRE TO SEE WHETHER YOU’RE AFFECTED
COMMUNITY VOICES
Sign the petition Send a letter Take now
“MY LOCAL PHARMACIST CARES ABOUT MY HEALTH. I AM MORE THAN JUST A NUMBER.”
MARIA - QLD
Share your story
SOME PEOPLE WILL BENEFIT, BUT THERE WILL BE A COST.
THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO ALLOW 60-DAY DISPENSING WILL ONLY BENEFIT 1.8
MILLION PEOPLE, BUT LEAVE MILLIONS OF AUSTRALIANS WORSE OFF AND PUT THE SERVICES
YOU RECEIVE IN JEOPARDY.
WHAT WILL IT COST YOU?
Take questionnaire
WAYS TO TAKE ACTION
Sign petition Send a letter Share your story
The government is bringing in 60-day dispensing.
This means pharmacists will be made to dispense double the amount of medicines
to some patients for a single dispensing fee.
Most pharmacy income comes from the dispensing fee they receive from the
government.
Pharmacies use dispensing fees to run their business, open after hours and
weekends and provide services like blood pressure checks, medicine delivery to
elderly or housebound people, baby weighing, and after hours advice when you've
got nowhere else to go.
But with 60-day dispensing, the government is cutting remuneration, and putting
the services you receive in jeopardy.
The projected fallout of implementing 60-day dispensing includes 20,818 job
losses, cut back pharmacy opening hours and 665 pharmacy closures, and impacts
which disproportionately affect people in regional and remote areas, the
elderly, and families with young children.
Please read what Labor promised last year in their 2022 Federal Election
Commitment Letter.
"Labor has a long history of support and cooperation with the Community Pharmacy
sector...
Labor's approach has not changed... Labor remains committed to the central place
that community pharmacy plays in the primary healthcare sector."
The Federal Government is going to break its promise to patients and Community
Pharmacy.
When it comes to 60-day dispensing, some people will benefit, but there will be
a cost.
THE IMPACTS OF 60-DAY DISPENSING
20,818
JOB LOSSES
665
PHARMACY CLOSURES
AN AVERAGE OF
2.5
HOURS OF OPENING HOURS CUT EVERY DAY
Read the full report
The government's policy to allow 60-day dispensing will put millions of
Australians at risk.
This policy is rushed and the negative impacts far outweigh the benefits.
With 20,818 jobs in jeopardy, 665 pharmacies at risk of closure, and the
inevitability of reduced opening hours, the fallout of 60-day dispensing will be
nothing short of devastating. This is not scaremongering, it is a heartbreaking
reality.
Proponents of 60-day dispensing claim it will be more convenient, but what's
convenient about a local community pharmacy forced to reduce its hours or worse,
close down entirely?
Convenience quickly turns into a crisis when you're left without accessible
healthcare in your community.
Our most vulnerable—the elderly, aged care residents, children, and those in
regional areas—who rely heavily on their local community pharmacies, stand to
suffer the most. They're the people at the frontline of this policy's
devastating impacts.
When it comes to 60-day dispensing, some people will benefit, but there will be
a cost.
Sign the petition today to demand the government rethink and renegotiate their
position. Stand up for the healthcare rights of all Australians.
90,270 people have signed the petition
Help us reach 150,000
125,929 people have signed the petition
Help us reach 150,000
SIGN THE PETITION
I'm signing because the Government rushed their decision on 60-day dispensing
without consulting the experts, and must reconsider their position before
millions of Australians are impacted.
Please input your First Name.
Please input your Last Name.
Please input your Email.
Please enter your Phone Number.
Please enter your Post Code.
Yes, I would like to be a campaign volunteer
Please check the checkbox.
Sign the petition
By signing our petition, you may receive communications about how you can help
with our campaign, on the understanding you agree to our Privacy Policy &
Collection Statement.
60-DAY DISPENSING WILL COST YOUR COMMUNITY
All Australians, including regional and rural communities, aged care facilities,
and vulnerable patients are at risk of compromising their health.
CALCULATE THE
IMPACT OF 60-DAY
DISPENSING ON
YOU
60-day dispensing will benefit some people, but there will be a cost.
How much will it cost you?
Name is required!
Post Code is required!
Email is required!
Q1. Do you live in a regional area?
Yes No
Q2. Do you regularly take prescription medicines?
Yes No
Q3. Are you in aged care?
Yes No
Q4. Do you rely on your local community pharmacy for home deliveries or
Webster-paks?
Yes No
Q5. Do you mainly rely on a single community pharmacy?
Yes No
Q6. Do you have parents receiving aged care - either in home or in an aged care
facility?
Yes No
Calculate now
WHAT’S THE COST OF 60-DAY DISPENSING FOR YOU?
While you have a low chance of being impacted, but there’s a strong chance that
someone you know or care about will be impacted by 60-day dispensing. chance of
being negatively impacted by 60-day dispensing.
Based on your survey responses, you or a family member has a moderately high
chance of being negatively impacted by 60-day dispensing.
Based on your survey responses, you or a family member has a high chance of
being negatively impacted by 60-day dispensing.
Based on your survey responses, you or a family member has a very high chance of
being negatively impacted by 60-day dispensing.
Based on your survey responses, you or a family member has a extremely high
chance of being negatively impacted by 60-day dispensing.
Some people will benefit, but millions of others will suffer.
Pharmacies dispense more than 300 million* prescriptions a year, and
implementing 60-day dispensing is expected to lead to the closure of almost
one-in-six pharmacies across the country.
In regional areas, 72% of people are within 2.5 km* of a pharmacy, but with
closures, these distances could increase, reducing access to primary healthcare
in hundreds of communities across Australia.
Sadly, elderly patients, aged care residents, children and those living in
regional areas will be impacted the most, and pharmacies will no longer be able
to ensure medicines will be available when patients need them. Additionally,
people who rely on pharmacy services, such as home deliveries or Webster-paks,
might be forced to pay more, putting more financial strain on them at a time
when cost of living is already a concern.
60-day dispensing will mean those who need accessible, affordable health
services the most will be the ones who are forced to suffer.
Please sign the petition or share your story to stand up for those who will be
impacted by 60-day dispensing.
*Vital facts on community pharmacy
You may receive communications about how you can help with our campaign, on the
understanding you agree to our Privacy Policy & Collection Statement
7236 LETTERS WERE SENT
CONTACT YOUR MP
Send a letter to your MP and demand they reverse their decision on 60-day
dispensing!
Enter postcode for MP details
Please enter your Post Code.
MP info not found. Please use another postcode.
Please input your First Name.
Please input your Last Name.
Please input your Email.
Please enter your Phone Number.
Dear [MP’s Name], I am writing as a concerned member of your electorate to
urgently address an issue that threatens the survival of community pharmacies
and their essential services, and will impact millions of Australians. I request
your immediate assistance in supporting the Save Your Local Pharmacy campaign,
encouraging the Government to reconsider their rushed decision to implement
60-day dispensing and without consulting the experts. The consequences of this
policy change are dire, with an estimated loss of 20,818 jobs, reduced pharmacy
opening hours, and potential closure of 665 pharmacies. These impacts will
disproportionately affect people in regional and remote areas, the elderly, and
families with young children, exacerbating healthcare disparities. We remind you
of the promises made by the Australian Labor Party, emphasising their commitment
to the central role of community pharmacies in primary healthcare. It is
essential to hold the Federal Government accountable for breaking their promise
to patients and the Community Pharmacy sector. We implore you to reconsider the
Government's decision on 60-day dispensing and encourage them to initiate
renewed discussions between themselves, independent experts, and community
pharmacy representatives. Collaborative efforts can help find a mutually
beneficial solution that saves Australian jobs and preserves essential services
and the well-being of our communities. Your immediate support in this matter is
crucial to ensure the sustainability of community pharmacies and the provision
of accessible healthcare services. We kindly request your assistance in
championing the cause of the Save Your Local Pharmacy campaign. Thank you for
your attention to this pressing issue. We eagerly await your response and
actions in support of the campaign. Yours sincerely, [Your Name]
Send to MP
You may receive communications about how you can help with our campaign, on the
understanding you agree to our Privacy Policy & Collection Statement.
SHARE YOUR STORY
If you’re worried about shorter pharmacy opening hours, closures, reduced
services or if you’ve got a story about how your community pharmacy has been
there for you and your family, we want to hear from you.
Please input your First Name.
Please enter your Post Code.
Please input your Email.
I agree to share my story with Media
Please check your checkbox.
Share your story with us
Help influence the Government to ensure your medicines are always available, by
sharing your story.
You may receive communications about how you can help with our campaign, on the
understanding you agree to our Privacy Policy & Collection Statement.
Please do not the pharmacies in the Northbridge and Cammeray in Sydney NSW- we
rely so on the pharmacists and their staff who are always willing to help-dont'
be so selfish- fix the costs of living for everyone- not this way!!
Helen
I am a pensioner and I need my medication every 28 days I am 76 and it cost $220
every 28 days My pharmacies helps with with lots of other issues and advice when
I can’t see my doctor I see my pharmacist at Least twice a week Dianne Barker
Dianne
If they reduced opening hour and made it a 60 day descending it would totally
muck up my pain meds Also if it closed I would find it very hard to travel the
hour and half to the nearest chemist to get my medications . Most of my
medications you have to have an authority for and I do not like them being at
home.
Anonymous
I'm a Vietnam veteran and require a lot of medical service. I have found in the
last 8 years that I have lived in Geeveston that the Geeveston Pharmacy's staff
go to what ever length to ensure that my medications are available and if
necessary delivered in the best and fastest time. I feel they are like a part of
my family to me. During the covid period they kept up due diligence and care for
me and my wife during our confinement. I would be so sad to see anything curtail
their kind and expert advice because of this proposal. We need this Pharmacy to
maintain its practice and existing staff for the betterment of the Geeveston
area. I say No to 60 day scripts.
Bob Etherington
We would all like cheaper of anything we have to buy. This policy looks like
another case of a government been mean and trickery wedging pharmacist against
patients. If its such a good idea the Government should pay for it.
Anonymous
Our local pharmacy in mooroolbark ..best ever advise 100% sevice 100%
friendliness 100% concerns 100% could not ask for more been going to same since
they opened ..THANKYOU moroolbark pharmacy the best
Anonymous
I’m 70 years of age and live in a rural area. I have both heart and lung
condition which require various regular daily medications.
Dawn
Stop being so greedy for crying out loud. You can’t be crying poor when your
paying your retail staff so little. Put yourselves in their shoes or that of
every other poorly paid supermarket worker. Or perhaps the people who make your
morning coffee for $20 per hour. I have no sympathy for you and your businesses.
Your hardly scraping at the bottom of the barrel. Never met a pharmacist on
struggle street.
Peter
I have altzimers and rely on the chemist for my Webster packs, they deliver the
packs for me. I have many ongoing health issues. If I have any health issues I
know the chemist will help me if I cannot get to the doctor
Anne
I wouldnt be able to keep up with the many medicines I take if it wasn't for my
pharmacist's help and time. I am afraid I am already wasting the pharmacists
time with all my questions and concerns, but I am more afraid they won't have
time for me after this. My doctor is very hard to see and very expensive so I
always go to my pharmacists who is FREE.
Josip
The care my pharmacy provides for it's patients will be dramatically reduced
when 60 day dispensing comes into place. We simply cannot maintain the same
level of detail and thoughtfulness for each patient with less staff. Staff will
be the first to go and unfortunately the easiest way pharmacies can find the
money they need just to survive. I wish this wasn't the case.
Bec
I'm the manager of Terrywhite Chemmart Warners Bay. We have a lot of concerned
patients at our pharmacy with the upcoming changes to dispensing. I have
attached a copy of the petition signed by our patients.
BEN WEICK
I rely on monthly home delivery from my regional local pharmacy . Being
incapable of going to shops alone d e pend heavily on this staff
Lynne
I have lived in this village for almost 5 years. Our pharmacy collect our
scripts snd deliver the medication the same day. It is a great service from a
very delightful family chemist. I will not require 60 day dispensing of my
scripts. Thank you Joan Harding
Anonymous
the local pharmacy at south arm only just make a living as it is . do not push
this onto them.
Anonymous
I've been working in community pharmacy for over a decade and have just come
back to work after having my first child. I am trying to navigate being a new
mum while facing the prospect of being made redundant in a job I've made a
career my entire working life. I don't have the capacity to study a different
career avenue. What are all the highly trained and skilled pharmacy staff that
will be made redundant supposed to do?
Laura
Spoke to local Terry white pharmacy ,riverside today ,they expressed major
concern re 60 day dispensing,that would almost certainly lead to the closure of
the riverside store . I believe we all should look at the bigger picture and
resist this imposition on our local pharmacy . Please sign all the petitions
going around ,including the one in store
John
hello my elderly parents mum 90 and dad 92 are in aged care and got covid over
the easter period in 2023. We were able to get covid anti viral pills for dad at
the pharmacy close to their aged care home at 9pm at night. A week later we had
to do the same for mum. mum and dad recovered from covid thanks to the quick
access to medicine from the local chemist,
cindy
I have a complex genetic condition and constantly seeing my gp can be costly. My
fabulous community pharmacy (that I’ve been going to for nearly 10 years) are
always there to help me fit a brace, find the best pain relief or help me easily
keep track of my medication. The 60 day dispensary will make managing mine and
countless others’ chronic illnesses even more expensive and unmanageable.
Anonymous
I’ve been going to the same community pharmacy for nearly 10 years, they help us
track all out of family’s prescriptions, give great advice when we can’t see a
gp and are always open when we need them. I once fainted in this pharmacy and
the staff were quick to get my comfortable, give me privacy and arrange an
ambulance. Next time I was in, they were sure to check on me and ask how I’m
doing, in short, they were phenomenal.
Anonymous
Yes, most people existed for 60-day medication dispensary, but that will cost us
more than we get now! For me, it means I will not have an access to my
pharmacist if I need any advice, I don’t want to wait hours at doctor’s clinic
to get that same advice. Also, I don’t want to be in a giant pharmacy that only
stock products with no access to a health professional when I need. We really
don’t want to miss the fair competition in our health system and end up with one
or two giant pharmacies!
Afrah
Auto immune disease and am only permitted 14 days medication only after a blood
test I'll not survive or constantly in hospital
Anonymous
My pharmacy and pharmacist are well aware of my needs having to wait 2 months
for medications will severly impact my life because some medications are comming
in 60 pills some in 40s some 10s 20s 30s so having to juggle all this and then
my pharmacy not having a delivery driver any more i have to get into town 20
miles away ots very difficult as i cannot drive anymore due to surgery its very
much a great imposition for the chemist and difficult for myself Thankyou
Philip
My pharmacist reminds me to get new scripts. Rang me at 7pm as my gp faxed a
script for antivirals. He asked if I needed them dropped off. What fabulous
service,
Wendy
Fifty years of friendly service, prescription advice and helpful free delivery
from my trusted local pharmacy is invaluable and I certainly don’t want to lose
that at this stage of my life. Please save our local pharmacy.
Anonymous
I have worked in Pharmacy for just on 15 years the last few years with Covid
have been extremely challenging with us being FRONTLINE ! Our purpose is to
assist the Public with any Health Concerns they may have and provide them their
medications . The last couple of years have been very challenging with Supply
Issues ! Now to introduce this 60DD on top is ridiculous !! It is unfair to the
patients that will have to miss out whilst others have too much ! Some people
will overdose , this is really going to create more problems for the Govt ! Now
if this is also to go through some of us will lose our jobs , more unemployment
, shorter opening times , not good for the public , some will have to shut their
doors, things that were once free like taking someone's blood pressure etc and
some free services will now have a charge ! So who does this really help!
Certainly NOT THE PUBLIC!!
Karen Jones
I take 4 prescription medications and would be very ill without them .
Anonymous
We need our local Pharmacy to help our community
Anonymous
I'm a pharmacy student and work as a dispensary assistant. There's a very real
chance that if 60 day dispensing is introduced, I could lose my job. I have a
daughter to support and living costs have never been so high. I just hope the
government considers people like myself that will be impacted by this policy.
Tyler Harrison
In a small town like the one where I live, the pharmacy is part of the
foundation of our society. The chemists and staff are part of the community
support systems that is needed most by the people who can’t access such services
outside of the area. They are caring and supportive. Their viability is
essential
Anonymous
Auto immune disease and am only permitted 14 days medication only after a blood
test I'll not survive or constantly in hospital
Christopher
I am a very concerned Pharmacy owner that will not be able to survive the impact
of 60DD policy with the cuts to my professional service fee. I have been
servecing my community over 27 years working extended hours .I had my doors open
during COVD Risking my own life
Sally
I’ve been on a community program for a while now and this change may force my
pharmacy to reconsider running the program this will drive drug addiction crime
and people back to hospital clinics where I’ll have to mix in circles I don’t
wish to this will cause problems in the community not solve them
Michael
I am worried the some of my medication ,will be in a worse supply if 60 day ,
than it is now .
Douglas Don
Dear Reader, I have been a cardiac patient for 19 years. I heavily rely on my
pharmacist because I need my medication to live. Sometimes I have an awful
asthma attack and I need extra medication. My pharmacist is wonderful to talk to
and helps me sort out all my medications. Please ensure they’re available for
all doctors prescriptions and genuine, professional advice. The pharmacy offers
medication at different prices, so talking to them in these hard times has
become somewhat essential to me. Thanks for your precious time, Kindest regards,
MrsG
Anonymous
I live in Kensington NSW and have Type II Diabetes. For a few years now, I have
used the Ozempic pen which I was prescribed. Currently, I am finding it
difficult to even get a pen. This 60 day dispensing proposal would make issue
far worse than it already is.
Anonymous
The current prescriptions are issued for 1 month only. I was pleased when it was
announced that it would be changed to 2 months, which I consider to be much more
convenient. BUT I was assuming we would pay for 2 months. Myself and many others
I'm sure would be happy to do this. To get 2 for the same cost is surely a big
loss to the pharmacy. Make the availability for 2 months supply but pay for them
both is surely a fairer way for all concerned
Shirley Jennings
MY CONCERN IS- seriously ill people with high quantities of prescription
opioids/medications in their homes, become very soft targets for home invasion.
Kaye Baker
I need my Webster packs and deliveries to continue. I am concerned about cost
increases if this policy goes through. I rely on this service from my pharmacy.
Tanya Durietz
We have used the same pharmacy for fifty years and now we are elderly are well
served and looked after. The pharmacy is not one of a big chain but a small
excellently run pharmacy. I know we will not be looked after so well if this
small, caring pharmacy should close.
Sylvia
I am on a medication that you cant just stop suddenly or swap it with something
else so if I am unable to get this medication when I need it I will become quite
sick! Then what?? I’m sure I am not the only person with in this predicament
either! Also after doing the impact test I am going to be highly impacted by
this if it is passed! Not positively either! Not only do I have a child/family
who will be impacted, I have parents and in-laws in nursing homes who will be
negatively impacted by this decision! The final reason I don’t want this passed
is the negative impact it’s going to have on pharmacies and pharmacists who we
need in order to dispense the medication in the first place!! This is going to
cost so many jobs which will in turn have an effect on our economy! I worked in
Pharmacy for 8 years when I was younger and I remember that the government was
always making terrible decisions related to pharmacy without consulting
pharmacists and business owners first. Unfortunately I feel that this is
another!!! Please please don’t pass this as it’s going to negatively impact more
people than it will help!!
Angela
Sometimes it’s trial and error with medication, why would I need to receive an
oversupply of medication, that may need to be disposed of if not working
Irene
I value the role the pharmacies play in the community. They offer me advice on
any medical issue which is extremely helpful as getting into a GP these days is
difficult and their advice is there free of charge most hours of most days.
Albo, lift your game and stop expecting pharmacist carry your sad NDIS can
you're responsible for!
Phil Owen
I rely on my local pharmacy for regular supply of medications prescribed. I
would be in difficulties if I did not have a reliable supply
Errol Gilbert
I live in a small isolated town in the Northwest of WA and rely on our local
chemist who are doing a fantastic job in catering for the community needs ,Any
changes to what they are currently achieving would badly effect our town and the
tourists needs as we are 1300 kilometres from Perth central,
Anonymous
I think that there will be a lot of unnecessary medication being dispensed.
Something the Gp/ specialists want to trial a medication, sometimes somebody is
elderly and might only have weeks/ months to live, a patient might end up with
an allergic reaction and many other reasons why somebody shouldn’t be supplied
with a 2 months worth of medication . In some cases when it is a long distance
to a pharmacy ( eg rural) I would be happy to have 2 months worth of meds
dispensed. Or when somebody is going on holidays ( regulation 24). Otherwise I
think this now idea will result in a much higher Medicare levy in the long run.
Janine
My husband is 80 and I am 74 we love our pharmacy. They have been really good to
us. I would hate to see that change. It is working well now so why change it. We
may safe a few cents but what is that to great people losing there jobs. We
cannot allow this to happen .
Anonymous
My husband quite frequently needs a change in medication especially blood
pressure meds. With 60 day dispensing this could mean we have excess of medicine
to destroy. We will have paid for the medication which we can’t use. Chemists
will only be paid the single fee per 2 months and not each month therefore
people will not reach the threshold limit either and the chemists close down.
Liz
I’m elderly and live in a regional Qld. I regularly rely on local chemist for
health advice
Anonymous
We live in Barham NSW and our Bendigo Bank Agency is closing now they want to
jeopardise our local pharmacy. We have trouble enough keeping doctors and any
other businesses, They are trying to make-our towns in regional Redundant and
care about the cities
Colin
My husband has a degenerative neurological disease, as they can’t figure out
what it is he just has to medicate to a safe level. This will actually cost his
life. He is 36. And we’re about to have our 3rd baby…… wouldn’t of gotten
pregnant if we knew this was happening.
Nikki
I work in local pharmacy. It's our jobs and the extra services we provide like
health checks , delivery, pharmacists, pharmacy and dispense staff etc.. that
may be cut back in future. We are a big chemist and Hopefully we may survive but
the small regional ones may not .The ones that are supplying you with
prescriptions which otherwise you will have to travel further too it all sounds
convenient and cheaper and I for one rely on that too but it's going to impact
the community more than we think .The Pharmacy group hasn't been consulted and
talked to first with this choice...all I wish for... is delay decision till you
sit down with Pharmacy Guild and compromise or discuss the implications and
ideas to move forward.
Gina
I agree 60 dispensing will cause waste and can be dangerous. You are reducing
packet sizes of paracetamol for safe and better health. But increasing
prescription medication sizes ,it doesn't make sense. 60 day dispensing will
cost our country more and reduce our healthcare options as pharmacies can not
supply free services eg delivery, blood pressure, questions about medinces etc..
Community pharmacies will struggle to keep there doors open and close. So more
Doctor visit again costing our country more.
Bronwyn
I feel it is a bad move it allows far more medications to be in the homes of a
different walks of life. I am in a situation whereby my husband has progressive
dementia. It's hard to watch him with his medications. Our local pharmacy have
been so helpful with our medications and Webster packs. Pharmacists are just as
important as a Doctor. They give of their time to explain medications and their
contra indications etc. I think it is a disgraceful move.
Dawn
I dont want to get 60 days worth of medicines unless travelling. Especially at
expense of country or small pharmacys closing in country or smaller areas
Sharron
Recently I have been placed in an aged care facility as I was assessed as unable
to care for myself. I have been diagnosed with chronic heart disease, liver
cancer and I am diabetic. I rely on my multiple medication being delivered to
me. I am in no position to travel any distance to have my prescriptions filled.
I have always used my local pharmacy who got to know me and my health issues.
Anonymous
Both over 80 need our Chemist who is aware of our needs.
Anonymous
Been with our Pharmacy for over 30 years they know uz a d our needs, go all ouf
to help. Dekiver as we do not drive anymore , have a grear relationship - we
elderly need them to be cc there for us.
Tricia
Our local pharmacy delivers to patients, is super patient with everyone and
knows my name. They are simply awesome and no reward program could replace them
Alison
Local pharmacy knows you well and serves you well.
Anonymous
I don’t go to far these days Snd my local pharmacy is very important to me and I
would like to stay at 30 day scripts as my medication dosage might change and
then I’m stuck with all these pills .
Lillian
Hon. Milton Dick, Dear Sir, I think this Pharmaceutical change would be very bad
for communities everywhere if it causes so many pharmacies to close and the
remaining ones to be open for less hours. I and my husband are in our seventies
and have several co morbidities and sometimes we need medications after hours
but if they are all going to be having to close earlier, it will put us all at
risk. Also if the medications cost more at two monthly intervals, we may not be
able to pay for them on our limited Pension Budget! After hours Pharmacies are
very important for everyone but especially to those with chronic conditions or
sudden onset illnesses. It will affect everyone detrimentally, and the
Chronically ill more so! Please could the Govt carefully reconsider these
pharmaceutical changes! Thankyou for listening! Sincerely, Esther Ingram.
Anonymous
60 day dispensing means I have more meds. More meds means it’ll be easier for me
to kill myself now, thanks Albo. I can die in September and not when it ends.
Jonty
My local pharmacy is about half an hours drive away. We as pensioners can't
afford the extra monies to buy our medicines as we have a set budget
Ann
My medication is so hard to get now. It is necessary for my diabetes. Please
dont make it harder.
Karen
Suzan is on KEPRA for her seizures. Suzan also has many other medications for
Huntingtons. I would like to pick up ALL scripts at 1 time, not as each script
falls due This causes me to do 2 or 3 trips a per script to complete the script.
Yankalilla has to order some of Suzans script on my 1st trip as KEORA is not
always available and we can wait up to a week before it's available. Our chemist
us in Yankalilla and that's a 148 klm ROUND TRIP. sometimes requiring 2 trips
per script on Opioids and KEPRA PLEASE HELO PEOPLE LIKE US WHO FEEL WE WILL BE
DISADVANTAGED BY THIS MIVE Thank You
Anonymous
I am one of many travellers enjoying this beautiful country. We all rely on
country and rural pharmacy services while travelling. It would put many people
at risk of poor health outcomes if pharmacies in small country towns are forced
to close due to reduced income from prescription medicines.
Anonymous
I have battled cancer since 1994, had several recurrences to 2000 when I had an
autologous bone marrow transplant, during which I suffered a heart attack.
Following my blood recovery I was able to have CABG’s x 5. I have since had a
further 3 heart attacks. Although I’m currently in remission from the NHL, my
body suffers the effects of the extensive chemotherapy. I follow instructions
from my oncologist and have a CT scan annually, and in late 2017 I presented
with a foggy spot on my right lung and in 2018 I had a lower lobe resection at
RPA Sydney. During that episode I had a PET scan which revealed prostate cancer
for which I am doing active surveillance rather than having surgery. Needless to
say I rely heavily upon my local Pharmacist (Kooringal Pharmacy Wagga Wagga) who
have been a tower of strength for me supporting and supplying the various
medications that I rely heavily upon. My life as a pensioner is hard enough, and
much dependent upon the entire medical community . Any changes or intervention
by the Government are totally unacceptable. The system has been working quite
well so if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it!
John Davies
There's a lot if elderly in Tara Queensland along with a lot of younger members
that have mental issues and are on medication. I also need medication that is
life long for me. It takes 25 minutes driving time to get into the township and
that's the closest pharmacy also. We have rights to our medication plus we are
also desperately needing doctors as they seem to be taking that privilege away
also.
Gypsy
Our local Soul Pattinson Pharmacy has looked after our prescriptions and
medications for over 30 years! My husband and I are disabled pensioners. Any
change to their usual services that we receive would be hard for us to handle at
our age.
Sue
I work in a community pharmacy and I'm very concerned and the knock on effect it
will be for not being able to be paid and my fellow workers losing their jobs
and how because there are so many medications shortages which is only going to
make it worse
Anonymous
60 day dispensing: DITCH THIS THOUGHTLESS STUPIDITY!
Jacqui Roberts
I have worked in our little pharmacy for 11 years (yikes 😅), in that time I
have never felt the future of our pharmacy was under threat, until now. We are
already experiencing a medicines shortage, and overnight that will exacerbate,
as we (and every other pharmacy in the country) attempt to supply 60 days worth
of medication to *everyone*, it just simply will be impossible and some
customers will be turned away because we just don’t have enough medication to go
around anymore. Our pharmacy will also take a significant financial hit.
Essentially our profit will be halved. Which to me feels slightly selfish to
bring up, but it will cripple us, it will affect our day to day business and
therefor affect you, our customers. We will be forced to reassess our staffing
levels, our business hours, our prices on non prescription items, our prices on
private prescription items, our fees on in store services and more, as we
attempt to keep our pharmacy alive.
Steph
Chemists like my local one will not be able to hold sufficient stock to supply
ALL customers. I worry about small rural towns.
Mel Leece-Roberts
Our 2 Pharmacies are very important part of our town. Aged persons, and all
residents rely on them. Also supply of so much medication requires room for
storage. This amount can be dangerous and confusing to some people. There also
the waste of medication when someone has their medications changed in that 60day
period. It doesn't help any consumers and can have potential for drug mix up by
some. The government needs to seriously rethink this.
Trish
My health well-being relies on continued availability of my medication. Don't
change anything.
M. WARD
I am concerned about the government’s 60 day dispensing policy and the effects
it will have on health care. I rely on my local pharmacy to deliver medication
to my home as I have limited mobility and the carer I have only comes on certain
days. I take many medications for my chronic conditions and rely on my local
pharmacy. The introduction of the 60 day dispensing policy looks good at first
in saving me money but looking closer at the ramifications to myself I will be
worse off. As I reach the safety net level each year I have a great proportion
of the year when I don’t pay for my medication, the 60 day dispensing policy
will delay this and shorten the time that I will receive my medication for free,
thus for the year I will actually pay the same amount for my prescription
medication. But because my pharmacy will be worse off ( as they will be funding
this government initiative from their own pocket ) their services that were free
or at a reduced cost, such as free deliveries will no longer be available. Their
longer trading hours and public holiday trading will be reduced or no longer
sustainable and it will affect people like myself the most. In fact my pharmacy
delivered some medication to me today on the Kings Birthday public holiday. I
really do need the government to look at this policy to make it work without
affecting the vital services that our local pharmacy provides. Regards Faye
Anonymous
As both a Pharmacy Assistant and a patient of my local community pharmacy, I am
terrified for what this policy threatens to do. Not only for myself but for the
business and care of everyone that utilizes our free and accessible healthcare
advice. I suffer chronic pain caused by endometriosis and a multitude of mental
health conditions that make every day life hard. I am at the GP or specialist on
a weekly basis which has already become increasingly hard to access, leading to
increased health anxiety. This policy will not make my medicines cheaper if I am
made redundant at my workplace as Community Pharmacy's across the country try to
remain financially viable after a substantial cut to their core funding model.
The media representation of this issue has been incredibly disappointing,
sharing miss-information and silencing the voices of the people on the ground
floor. The medication shortage in this country is genuinely scary. I have to
tell multiple patients a day that their medication is unavailable in some way
shape or form. Whether that's someone who is sensitive to generics and requires
a particular brand of medication, a child who can't swallow a capsule when their
antibiotic suspension is unavailable, or someone with low vision who relies on
the same brand being available in order to identify their pills. There are so
many better and more effective ways of saving people money as we head for a
recession that don't endanger jobs and threaten an entire industry. Under the
proposed model, those who are most vulnerable will be the worst impacted.
Community Pharmacy is one of the only places left to go to get free healthcare
advice and we're seeing people access these services more and more frequently. A
workplace that once gave me hope and stability in an increasingly doomed world
is no longer an escape. It feels as though we're being handed blow after blow
after blow. A female dominated industry that worked so hard throughout the
pandemic only to be deemed insignificant by our elected government. For every
Community Pharmacist and staff - keep fighting the good fight, your work is
valued and important, even if the people in charge can't see it until it's too
late.
Emily
Had serious blood clots couldn’t get to the hospital or doctor for treatment so
doctor contacted the pharmacy and the pharmacist was able to instruct me how to
inject the medication needed for immediate treatment
Rob
My husband has peripheral nerve damage in both his feet and Copd, I suffer
depression, anxiety and very painful ostheo arthritis, government needs to WAKE
UP. We don't want to take medication every day and night but sadly we need them.
Thelma
My pharmacist Soul Patterson Westbury is the best chemist and staff that has
ever looked after me and my husband. We get free delivery when sick and
wonderful service. They are searching at the moment for a special product I need
so I don't have to trapes around to other chemist. My medication always reaches
the safety net in 6 months which means it is free for the latter 6 months. What
concerns me if you get double the amount that means you go to a doctor less
times to have your conditions kept in check this is a worry. I would be
devastated if my chemist closed down so please labour government listen to the
pharmacist and the people for better advise. I've already lost my doctor due to
stupid beurocratic bundling in the health system and now travel 35mins to
another doctor don't let me have to do the same for a pharmacist. Listen to your
people.
Sheola
It’s all over the news, you’ve seen it, you’ve heard about it. What you may not
realise until it’s too late, is that this WILL affect our store
Steph
I am a community pharmacist who has worked in a rural community for most of my
30 years as a health professional. The misinformation surrounding the 60-day
supply is really concerning me. Firstly, the two-month supply of some
medications is not going to reduce the frequency of doctor visits. A script for
standard medications is valid for 12 months. A doctor will usually write the
script for a six month supply. This means that the patient must renew their
script every 6months. Therefore expecting to have two GP visits per year. By
having two months supply provided will make no difference to this. Also, there
has been a pathway available within the PBS for prescribers to write a script
for these common medications that can cover a whole year but less than 5 % of
prescribers use this option. It is also promoted that their will be less need
for people to visit their pharmacy. I cannot understand how this is promoted as
a positive. We are the most accessible health professionals available in a rural
community. We are open on weekends and public holidays when there are NO doctors
open. We are the only place available for people to get help, ask for advice or
be referred to a higher level of care when required. Many of these services are
free. Early interventions in health care have proven to be a cost effective
method for the community at large and we are part of that process. Another issue
skipped over is that it will take much longer for people to reach their
medication Safety Net, or the "free list" as more commonly known. So for the
person who reaches their "limit" in June this will now occur in December. If the
changes go ahead, I'm sure pharmacy will survive, because I have faith in my
profession, but there will be huge challenges. Data projections are showing a
typical pharmacy can expect to lose between $200000 and $500000. Currently we
offer many free services such as delivery, weekly Medication packs to over 150
people, and essential screening services . How we will be expected to continue
providing these services is concerning. The losses incurred can only negatively
impact our ability to remain open after hours, our workforce ( 28/30 of whom are
female) and our services.
DG
My son mentally challenged in that his brain turns his heart off. He goes away
into the bush and has to take pack medicine with him. I feel this new 60 day law
cojld put him in danger if unable to access.
Anonymous
My child contracted a Urinary Tract Infection, and due to the shortages, it was
extremely difficult to find the liquid antibiotics that she needed. She spent an
extra (unnecessary) night on the toilet in pain and missed an extra day of
school. This is unacceptable!
Anonymous
For those thinking this policy won't cost patients any more - THINK AGAIN! What
you haven't been told is that pharmacies have already started to raise prices of
products as a DIRECT RESULT of this poorly thought-out labor government policy.
And I am advised this is just the beginning - services will be next. This will
do nothing to decrease the cost of living in Australia. Pharmacies and patients
deserve better. Certainly not a poorly informed policy such as this.
Anonymous
I have A/F and need 4 different types of tablets all are packaged in 28 or 30 or
60 tablet amounts ,change the dosage to 30in each box. Smarter idea.
Anonymous
I am 58 and 6 months old,I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of
21 and 9 months in 1986. The Treatment I'm on is Glenda 500mcg (Fingolimod HCL)
Capsules. Graves disease (Hyperactive Thyroid ) Over-active,in mid 90s. Over the
years it had switched to (Hypoactive) Under-active. I'm on Oroxine
(Levothyroxine) 75mg. Duo-trav Eye drops for my Glaucoma. APO-Atorvastatin 10mg
for my high cholesterol. Mirtazapine 30mg for my depression. Diazepam 5mg for my
Anxiety. Even though most of these Medications if not all aren't on the short
supply list. But I do have to say that my Pharmacist of 24 years,did have
trouble at one point there with my MS Meds About a year or so ago, he did
everything he could to get me that Monthly supply for 28 days,lucky I had a week
supply. I really can't afford having any of these meds in short supply's.
Or,even what other meds I'm put on in the near future. Our elders and the future
generations will need our Pharmacists and their Teams. We'd be all lost without
them, with all their knowledge to help us all with all our needs. Please save
all our Pharmacy's,their a Family of their own. I'm sticking to have all my
Perceptions dispensed one month at a time as usual. Anonymous
Anonymous
I am worried that the recent decision for 60 day dispensing undermines
importance of the pharmacist’s role in society today. Having lived abroad and
noticed how other health systems operate, it is becoming increasingly obvious
that due to GPs shortages and long waiting times at hospital the role of the
local pharmacy has become absolutely vital in serving the community. This new
regulation is likely to increase the financial burden on our local pharmacists
and result in staff cutbacks, reduced hours and in general a poorer service. I
appreciate what the government are trying to achieve but they’re going about it
in completely the wrong way. It’s a very shortsighted proposal and will not
solve the problem long-term . Please rethink it.
Anonymous
My pharmacy, Mullanes, Oatley West is so important to me and my family and the
community. These people go above and beyond what's required of them. They have
supported me through my serious health battles, always there for me. At times
ersonally delivering medications to the elderly who live alone, at times
preparing some tea and toast to an unwell elderly lady, who else would do that,
with care. Prescriptions is the business of the pharmacy not front of shop. I'm
also worried about a shortage of drugs which I believe could occur, a lot of
people like myself are prescribed life saving medication. Please stop this
madness, save our pharmacies, don't let this happen in Australia.
Maryanne
My pharmacist has been in my life for a very long time.He knows things about me
that are confidential
Shiralee Cameron
I work in a Pharmacy and my self and my co workers have to tell patients on a
daily basis 'we don't have you medicine in stock and we are not sure when it
will be back' and the stress and worry on their faces about not being able to
get their life saving medicine is unacceptable and if the labor government
passes this law, not only will we have more severe medicine shortages we will
also find that people are dying because they can't get their medicine.
Mellissa
Hi, my name is Dakoda, I am a 22 year old, chronically ill, disabled individual
who needs proper access too my medications, I am very very scared for my future.
Anonymous
my problem is i have been on a medication for 20 years and am allergic to
allother brands and now the govt has allowed mine to be made by someone else
with fillers i cant have i have contacted everyone and have been told they
should have the same fillers if they are not on the pbs and being on a pension
and they would be a private unabe to afford if i can get mylan kalma so if any
one is allergic to a medice where they change the name make sure you get the
fillers checked i cant get mine not sure what will happen i called tga hope they
can get my original thank you
Anonymous
I take a particular table every day and expect to for the rest of my life. Its a
waste of my and the tax payer's money to issue these tablets monthly. I would
welcome the appearance of my tables on the two month list ! David
Davis
My pharmacist has helped me a lot as a diabetic to get my Ozempic and other
diabetic medicines and I'm afraid this new law will make it even harder. With
regard
Paul Meadow
My husband due heart surgery has to take warfrin every day, we are unable to get
5mg anywhere, it is not good enough. He now has to take 2 2mg and 1 mg, how long
will this last, you are playing with his life.
Denise Watts
I am a pharmacist I have just completed a medication history with a 67 year old
patient who is on 2 medicines which are contraindicated together- her regular
acid lowering medicine will reduce the effect of a blood thinning medicine -
therefore should not be taken together. They are both prescribed by different
doctors. It scares me that the blood thinner is on the list of medicines safe
for double dispensing. This patient goes to multiple pharmacies and can easily
slip through the cracks of health care. The consequences to her health would
have been disastrous if she received double quantity.
Stav
Living in a small regional area our local pharmacy is vital to the community it
serves and the potential risks of some medications being unavailable is not
feasible Some residents rely on these potentially life saving services
especially if they can no longer drive greater distances to other pharmacies
Anonymous
I went to my local pharmacy almost 3 weeks ago to order my mother's
prescription. I am still waiting for this medication as it is out of stock and
there is no ETA on when it will be back in. The medication is for my mother and
it is not acceptable in this day and age to be told that there is a shortage for
a drug that has been available for the longest time without any issues. My
pharmacist suggested that it might be a good idea to speak to my mother’s doctor
about prescribing an alternative drug when this happens again which means I will
have to book an appointment with my mother’s doctor, take time off work to take
my mother to the doctor to have that consultation. My doctor isn’t a
psychiatrist and the alternatives may not be suitable for my mother who has been
taking the same medication for over 20 years without an issue. The thought of
not having these medications readily available is absolutely scary as I know
what happens when someone is off their meds or is taking alternative medications
that may not suit them. I feel for anyone who is dependent on pain medications
or psychiatric drugs or other medications that are already experiencing this.
Medication shortages will only create more stress and anxiety on top of whatever
else the individual is already facing health-wise. The government is creating a
far bigger problem by introducing this 60 day dispensing change. The Government
will realise (as always, when it’s too late) that this was a BIG mistake. They
are only going to cause more pain and suffering to the most vulnerable in our
society. Australians deserve better. Australians deserve to be able to purchase
medications when we need it not when it’s “back in stock”.
Anonymous
For the first time in my adult life, I can happily say that I regret voting for
Labor, if they go down this path. Why are they not listening to the people and
local pharmacists? This policy is going to do a lot more harm than good. People
are already struggling now as it is to get vital medications. This is going to
make that situation 10 times worse. If this policy goes ahead, Labor has lost a
long time supporter.
Anonymous
I have attended this local pharmacy for many years and the staff are very
helpful and knowledgeable, I would not like to see the hard working staff have
to suffer from this new system. Anyway, I’ve been trying out different
medications and so if I got 2 months supply and the doctor wanted to discontinue
it after one month, there would be a waste of the medication! Also, what happens
to our safety net?? If it wasn’t broke, don’t fix it !!!
Maureen Smith
I’m new to working in pharmacy and have seen the change and stress pharmacy is
now under to prevent these changes. I worry for many people with the medication
shortages, as well as for my own job and for other community pharmacies.
Anonymous
I have attended my local chemist for 12 years. I access the Methdone program and
get other needed medications from my chemist. The change will put everyone who
attends the pharmacy at risk. Please don't change the way it is working
presently as it would be a huge mistake for me and everyone else. M. Osmond
Michele osmond
I support my local, and all, pharmacies to stop this unthought out decision and
that in the end will cost my pharmacy and me. I am fully aware and educated on
the facts that any pretended savings are NOT going back to pharmacies but going
elsewhere.
SUSAN CASTLE
We live in Clarence Town, a rural village Situated in the Hunter Vally, a 70 klm
round trip to the nearest town , we are in mid 80s , we have no public public
transport , so when we can’t drive any more, as there are many already older and
sick people who cant, we cannot imagine not having our wonderful pharmacists and
staff to look after us. They go over and above for everyone, if we are ill they
will deliver our medicine themselve, they give valuable advice to everyone,
young and old ,I really don’t know how we would be without them. We implore you
to rethink this ridiculous Idea, and do what is right for people who voted for
you to work for us not against us Jean and Alan Abbs
Anonymous
For the second time this year, our pharmacy staff has administered an Epipen and
called 000 for patients suffering an anaphylactic reaction. Of course these
things always occur during “ later “ trading hours. If we are forced to reduce
our opening hours ? Where will these patients go ? Pharmacists are called to,
day and night for so many health reasons. Please don’t be ignorant and think
pharmacists just label boxes. From wound management to emergency advice .. there
are no limits to what a pharmacist gets asked on a daily basis because our doors
are open to all.
Sanghee
I have battled various health conditions, some for over 45 years, and need
certain medications to help with everyday management of symptoms. I use my local
777 Pharmacy who will have to bear the added cost of those medications if I am
to get twice the amount for the same price, so that means they will have to
increase other costs, like webster paks. More costs will have to go up elsewhere
to cover their out of pocket expense if this insane proposition goes ahead. The
bigger franchises can carry that cost to little detriment, but the smaller
chemists cannot afford to. Then when the smaller ones have all been pushed out
of business, the big chemists, like Chemists Warehouse and Wizard, and all the
big discount and online pharmacies will have the monopoly so can put all their
prices up, then what happens to the "People" they are meant to care about????
Stephanie
I have bad depression anxiety àgraphobic and my chemist and many have not had my
medication had such a big effect on my life to the verge of not wanting to live
we need our meds this can't go on your help is needed ty kerrie king
Anonymous
I have complex medical issues which I take several medications for each day. I
don't think it is fair of me to have a 60 day supply dispensed to me because it
will add to the short supply of meds for others. This proposed new system lacks
any thought into the way medications are required by Australians. From very
individualised prescribing for people with chronic illness, who may already be
on short supply/"special" monthly ordered meds to those who have an acute
illness/have an end point for taking the medication. The government need to
rethink this policy because they have got it SO WRONG. Speak to the RIGHT
people, rather than a spreadsheet of numbers.
Anonymous
I am a 17 year old girl employed at Priceline Pharmacy in Toronto, NSW. The
changes made regarding pharmacy funding and the medicinal shortages have caused
extreme concern in my workplace, as well as hundreds of others around the
country. The jobs of my friends, coworkers, family and even myself are
threatened by the lack of funding in our pharmacies. Like many others, in losing
my job I will be unable to provide enough money for myself, my cat, and my
family for the necessary bills and expenses that I am responsible for. Not to
mention I would be losing the incredible family I have gained while working at
Priceline Pharmacy. These changes have caused many amazing people such as my
boss and other pharmacy owners around the country to risk losing their business,
their houses, and their way of living. This all is without even touching on the
thousands of people who will go without life saving medicines and supplies, or
at the very least will be forced to travel cities away from their home and
require expenses that they do not have, just to have ACCESS to those
medications. To put into perspective, my place of work will have to fire three
quarters of their employees purely due to these changes, and my pharmacy has it
BETTER OFF than most. Some have already started laying people off because they
simply can’t afford it. Please help out in any way you can. Share your stories,
sign petitions, protest, anything.
Charlotte
This will just add to my continued problem We are on several medications. If I
get 60 dsys between scripts what do we do when only 28 tabs in a box. Leaves us
short. I have already had to change my insulin due to the one I have been stable
on for many years has been removed from sale. I now have to have 1 injection a
week. As opposed to 21 sounds good, however sometimes my husband
Marisa goode
I am worried about this development and specifically how it will impact on me. I
am a stroke patient with limited mobility making visits to the pharmacy
extremely difficult has my particular situation been taken under consideration
or swept aside. Concerned
Hendrik Huizing
Been taking Warfarin since 2000 so stop Blood Clots which I had in my Leg then
my Lung A filter was installed but that does'nt stop them going to my head . I
have regular INR and Blood test to regulate my dose between 2.5 to 5 mg
Norma
Wake up ALP! The PBS has served (although not perfect) the Australian
communities so well for the last 7 decades and now you want to risk messing with
it? “Today the PBS provides timely, reliable and affordable access to necessary
medicines for Australians.” (https://m.pbs.gov.au/about-the-pbs.html). When you
slash fundings by 50% to pharmacies and force Australia wide pharmacies to cut
operating hours or even close their doors altogether, how are the Australian
public going to have “timely” access to their medications? Please get your acts
together ALP. You can cut spendings elsewhere (like your submarines
deal/football stadium), leave the PBS and Healthcare alone.
Yen
The government interfering yet again with medicine and the restriction on supply
is just not acceptable. Same happened in the previous government but yet again
the same is again happening with the new government. It clearly shows that both
major political parties don't have their citizens health actually as priority at
all.
Shaun Myer
My elderly Dad has 20% heart working. It is only his medication giving him a
quality life.
Julie
Without prompt access to required medication, my loved one will end up in
Accident
Anonymous
Our son needs his medications at Eskleigh. A great place and terrific support .
This policy could put him at risk. ALP are all about looking good to minority,
and forget the real people .
Steve
We have a son at Eskleigh that has issues with some needed medications . Epilem
, etc. This is a very poor policy . Popular which Labor is all about, but as
usual a populous, dangerous policy. Please protest.
Anonymous
Our daughter 41 has had four strokes has had surgery for an aneurysm in an
artery in her neck it is imperative she take her blood thinners dailyDrs at PA
have told us if she misses one day she could have a catastrophic stroke!
(Plidogrel and aspirin 100mg in short supply) needless to say we are extremely
worried!!!
Mary Mackie
Every single day, I take 7 different types of medication at 4 different times
during the day. It costs me 1000s of dollars. Without these meds, I would not be
alive. That’s not an exaggeration.
Anonymous
Don’t agree with this gov plan . I see only negative impacts .
Norman
I have had to change heart medication twice in under 12 months due to
unavailability, the last time was last week and I had to go to three chemists
before being able to get my meds which I cannot do without . The two chemists
who didn’t have the meds told me they were on back order .
Anonymous
My daughter has been taking Midodrine for POTS for 10 years and without it she
faints and cannot function. I cannot understand how ‘The Lucky Country’ Is
becoming so unlucky because of ministerial decisions. If their family were
reliant on these medications to function normally perhaps it would be a
different outcome!!
Anonymous
I am dependent on thyoroxine without this medication for Thyroid disease I will
gradually fall into a coma which nearly happened prior to me being diagnosed. A
simple tablet is all I need to live a relatively normal life. My local chemist
is important and convenient as I also buy my Mother's medication for her sight
and her heart condition.
Ida Jusic
I have had two bowel rejections and have been taking Questran Lite for many
years.I am supposed to take 2 to 4 sachets a day.At the moment I only have half
a box left and am taking one sachet a day.If I don't take my medicine I am going
to loose a lot of weight and will wither away to a skeleton. I am told that they
are short of some of the ingredients. I am not sure if this is actually true or
this medication is being sent to larger countries where there is more profit for
the company making Questran Lite. Please help me get my medicine as I also care
full time for two grandchildren full time and want to stay healthy.
Susan
I have heart and blood pressure problems . My life depends on my medication.
Emanuel Mallia
Anonymous
In my local municipality there are pharmacies in every town, if this happens we
will be lucky to have 1 for the area to service 18,259 people when the cost of
fuel, food, medication, etc are going up, no one will be able to afford to
travel for medication. It will still be choose between food or medications
Anonymous
I am Diatetec with Kidney failure only thing that has helped me is the Ozempic
injections,couple months could not get prescription filled,still having trouble
getting monthly,no way would chemist be able to give me 2 months supply,haven't
checked my other medications
Pamela
My son has an artificial main valve in his heart which requires him to be on
blood thinners ... warfarin...... constantly,without this medication he will get
a blood clot going to his heart which will kill him, it is vital that we and
others have an ongoing supply of these essentail medications available at all
times
joy
This is unacceptable, small towns suffer yet again
Joyanne
My Asthma and diabetes medication disappeared! Enough is enough
Lindsey
My husband and our two children recently came back from Bali, where our 2.5 year
old had an accident and split open his chin. We were able to get the right
medicine for him that same day over there then few days later we came back home
to Cairns. Few days past since we arrived back home and my son started
developing an infection due to the split chin, we went and tried to see our
local doctor but they refused to see us due to my son being a new patient with
them so we had to head to the hospital, we waited over 6 hours there just to get
his antibiotics script. after we got the scrip i went to out local chemist and
they didn't had the right antibiotics for him and were out of the medicine so we
had to drive to the next chemist , they didn't even have the medication for my
son either and our only option left was to drive over 40kms to the next chemist
to get my son his medication. by the time we got there they were shut! i had to
bring my 2 children ages 2.5 and 3 years old around early mooring and drive over
40 kms just to get the medication for my son, as you can imagine dragging 2
children around early morning and ended up being late for daycare isn't much fun
for any of us. we finally found a chemist that had the right medication for my
son the next day and it was the last one left! this is disgusting that people
who desperately need the medication cant find it at their local chemist and have
to drive 80 kms there and back just for that! something has the change!
Alison
What about the chemists in other countries who have been forced to use this
system of prescription for two months have gone broke because of this stupid
change to the existing rule. Wake up government
Anonymous
I regularly have my medicines delivered to my home as my rheumatoid arthritis
makes it hard to get out and about. I wouldn't be able to afford both my
medicines and a delivery charge if the pharmacy started charging for it.
Lillian
I feel that it wouldnt be safe practice to have high quantities of prescription
drugs available for some vulnerable people, they could be used to end their
lives
Anonymous
I’ve suffered with major depression, generalised anxiety disorder, ptsd, panic
disorder, agoraphobia for many years now, and just recently be giving medication
for my cholesterol as it’s high,I rely on my medication daily so I don’t harm
others or myself. I’ve just started to leave my front door to my letter box if I
don’t have my medication it’s just going to set me back so many years.I’ll be
severely impacted and ill have to rely on the government for other services I
have a 3yr old grandson that has helped me with my progress at the moment but if
I don’t have my medication I’m not allowed to spend unsupervised time with him
as I will be unpredictable. It’s taken roughly 17-20 years to get the right
medication and therapy, I can’t always afford to get 3-5 scripts at a time .I
couldn’t do so much for my children when they were growing up as I said meds and
therapy. PLEASE PLEASE DONT LET ANY MEDICINE HAVE ANY SHORTAGE. With 60 days
dispensary policy I could miss out on my daily meds and harm some innocent
person all because my government is trying to put us in third world crisis.
Please listen to your people and what they need
Brooke Walters
My husband is on a few of these medications 💊 and I have had to travel all over
lake Macquarie and Newcastle area just to try and get just one bottle of his
medications and he gets 3 on 1 script but most of the time i have to ring around
all the pharmacy's just to fill his perceptions.I really feel for anyone who
don't have there own transport get there vital medications they need as it is I
am on a waiting list for one of my husbands meds.
Anonymous
I already have had medication taken off the market with no replacement. The ones
that have been substituted are completely inappropriate. My gel caps have been
replaced with huge tablets that are not to be broken. My diabetes tablets are
also huge and not to be broken. This causes me distress as I have swallowing
issues and mouth and throat issues. I have no choice but to break these tablets
into four pieces.
Anonymous
I rely on medication for my Thyroid and Anti-Depresants, if I couldn't get my
medication my health would be severely impacted. It frightens me to think I
would run out of Thyroid medication.
Anonymous
I am actually pleased that the cost of medicine for myself and others eligible
for the PBS will be halved. Whilst the supply of medicines may be temporarily
impacted, this will level out over the long term. If I fill a prescription for 6
months instead of 3 months, it means I will have no demand to fill the
prescription for that medicine for the next 6 months and it will cost me half
the price. Although I can see that pharmacists will not make as much money out
of the new scheme, I also acknowledge this may impact on employment in
pharmacies.
Valerie
Dear [MP's Honer David C., I am writing to express my concern about the ongoing
medicine shortages in Australia and the negative impact this is having on
regional areas and the aged care sector. As you may be aware, Australia has
already experienced two years of medicine shortages, and every day, community
pharmacies across the country are seeing patients who are forced to go without
their medications due to exhausted supplies. This situation is unacceptable and
puts the health of our most vulnerable Australians at risk. I am calling on you,
as my representative in Parliament, to take action and demand that the Federal
Government addresses this critical issue. We need to ensure that prescription
medicines are available to those who rely on them, and that our healthcare
system is not further burdened by the consequences of medicine shortages. I am
particularly concerned about the Federal Government's decision to not give extra
medicines to patients via 60-day dispensing, as this will only exacerbate the
problem and result in more Australians going without essential medication. We
cannot allow this to happen. I urge you to make your voice heard on this issue
and to support our petition calling for Government action to end prescription
medicine shortages. It is essential that we take action now to protect the
health and wellbeing of all Australians. Thank you for your attention to this
matter, and I look forward to hearing from you soon. Sincerely, [maged m n
banoub
Maged mmonier n banoub
My wife has many health issues two of which are Anxiety
Anonymous
I’m a cancer survivor who relies on reliable supplies of medications from my
local pharmacy, which thankfully has been able to meet my requirements. I have
also had open heart surgery and lung surgery. Combine these with a lot of
chemotherapy and radiotherapy over the years and needless to say my body is a
mess. I’m riddled with arthritis, have prostate cancer which is under active
surveillance, but could still be a threat. I’m not quite ready for mental health
medications, but what the Government is doing could be the start of it!!!
John Davies
I have been a customer of the Kerrie Road Pharmacy for as long as it has been
open. So have my elderly parents, my Dad still goes there, but the people at
Kerrie Road Pharmacy helped my family when my Mum became sick in 2020, up until
she passed away, too early, in 2021. They were our rock during those turbulent
times. In addition to this, I am a single mother of three children with special
needs. They all have pharmaceutical needs that support autism, asthma, insomnia,
compromised immune systems and chronic fatigue syndrome. I know, at anytime, I
can walk into Kerrie Road Pharmacy and get support to deal with whatever I need.
We celebrate when I am not in the pharmacy for over one month, but I would not
want to go anywhere else. My Dad now gets his medication delivered to the
retirement home he has settled in. Thats free to him, but under changes to
pharmaceutical provisions, this will come at a cost to him. Whilst he is
currently able bodied, I worry about when he can’t drive and he has to pay extra
for this service. What about those in the community that rely on this service,
and will then have to pay for it under budget cuts. Changes to anything that
effects pharmacy and impacts this may have on Kerrie Road Pharmacy will have an
enormous impact on the local community. Currently, we can walk in and get
advice, and the team are equipped to handle that advice - this will. It be
possible under proposed changes. I’ve had a couple of operations and leant on
the advice of the pharmacy to know what was right, and whether I should see my
doctor, Kerrie Road Pharmacy were always there. Plus with vaccinations, that is
not profitable for them, they always support their customers. We cannot change
the pharmaceutical benefits as they are today, as we risk losing the supports
offered by our local pharmacies. I don’t want to have to rely on a big company
like chemist warehouse for my families pharmaceutical support. We need to stay
local, live local, and any changes will just be impacting another amazing
business. Kerrie Road Pharmacy and others in local communities need to continue
their amazing work, they are caring and understanding of all their patients. We
cannot lose that.
Susan
Hi I have great difficulty getting Ozempic for my Diabetes. Supply is very poor
.
Kevin Armstrong
I take Warfarin and heve been using it for 30 years I require close monitoring
and need to have 1mg 2mg 5mg on hand to make up my daily dose. Twicw now in the
last 3months I had to cut my 5mg into small pieces to make the dose. I managed
to get the 1mg and 2mg now I'm almost out of them No one seems to have which
leads people like me at risk of Blood clots of which I had in my leg and lung 20
years or more ago I have been stable over the years and dont want the lack of
supply giving me more health issues
Norma
With 60 day dispensing policy as a community pharmacist, we can’t guarantee fair
and equal access for our patients because of the medication shortage , with 60
days dispensing policy every second patient won’t have any medication (one
patient will have two boxes other will have none ) that will increase risk of
hospitalisation and the health system is already under pressure
Dina Salib
My name is Rachelle and i am the mother of a 9 yr old boy with many health
issues that require many medications to keep him well. We are now running into
issues with a lack of stock at our local pharmacy and this will cause major
health concerns if we are not able to access what he requires to stay healthy. I
am angered at the proposed decision to allow people to stock up on copious
amounts of medications that already are becoming unavailable for access. Please
understand this will affect so many and will have a detrimental outcome. Please
listen to the pharmacies and the people and take this serious. I just cant
afford to risk my sons health he is my world.
Rachelle
I am on warfarin 5mg for life as a result of 3 dvts ( blood clots). It is
imperative I continue my warfarin therapy. What does the giver ember suggest I
do without my supply? I have already had trouble obtaining the 5mg warfarin and
had to take 2mg and 1mg. What happens when these also run out?
Milena Cifali
We already have a shortage of my heart medication Flecainide and I have to use a
substitute medication which increases the risk of errors and confusion with
correct identification of my medications. I also often need to place my scripts
at the Chemist before I need them as some need to be ordered as they are in
short supply.
Kaye
I am in urgent need of my Hormonal Replacement Therapy medication..Eostradial
patches 75mg. They have been unobtainable from my regular chemist Soul
Pattinsons Pharmacy for weeks. I have used up my supply, and now am in desperate
need and I cant get them.
Alison Skelly
Running out of genteal medicine for my eyes I have dry eyes problem and
desperately need this medication
Dhun. Madon
There is an acute shortage of genteal cream for eyes. I am 72 years old and I
need it desperately to lubricate my eyes
Dhun Madon
I am worried about missing out on important medications because of the supply
issues witch I need for my health.
Eric moran
Really looking forward to fewer Pharmacy visits, fewer expenses, shorter queues
and to putting less pressure on our GPS with this fantastic new initiative!! The
guild sounds a little like the big gas suppliers when the gas price cap was
announced! Bring it on!
Gary
I have been on my medication for years and it keeps me alive so I will support
you all the way
Porter
Constantly on medication to prevent Muscle spasms, High blood pressure. Prevent
outbreak of Arthritis.Always needing prevention to cease further discomfort.
Thank you Michael D****
Anonymous
I take Warfarin 5mg and have been unable to get 5mg so have to get 2mg and 1mg,
which makes a lot more tablets to take, combined with all my other medications.
Hopefully their short supply is remedied soon.
Maxine Quinlan
Australia needs to look after its people , your frightening us with 3rd world
threats everyday , our culture is caring ! Its time to show this care and stop
frightening us and selling our country to overseas cultures who dont care about
us at all, please your all we have
Liane dunford
My local pharmacist cares about my health. I am more than just a number. He goes
to great lengths to secure my medicine and will deliver this to me after the
store closes- at no extra charge for me. During covid, my GP would not let me
come in for a face to face consultation, ever- even with a negative PCR/RAT and
wearing a mask- sending me to “a pharmacist for blood pressure checks”. My
pharmacist did check my blood pressure regularly, for free. The pharmacy
industry needs to be protected. They care for local communities deeply. They
employ locals. I am disappointed in this proposal.
Maria M
Where can I get warfarin for cardiac patients , shortage rightnow
Jieli
I support what the federal gov't is doing because it is very inconvenient and
costly for me to have to go to a chemist every 28 days for my prescriptions -
especially when we are travelling. I understand the concerns of small rural
pharmacists, but they should be addressed in other ways than retaining 30 day
dispensing limits. Noel Schubert
Noel Schubert
As a pharmacist, we should focus on medication service rather than given
vaccines. What idiotic plan?
Jieli
No warfarin is available nationally. No doublet are available. Seriously bad bad
bad.
Jieli
Over the past few years I've had to wait and search elsewhere more and more
often to get the epilepsy medications I need. If I have a seizure I have to wait
at least a year before I can drive again, and that's the least of my issues
there. So let me get this right, I really might have to worry about another risk
factor for having a seizure?? And of all the things..... Hey did I ever tell you
about the time I regained consciousness after a seizure only to find myself in a
puddle of my own blood because of how hard i hit my head falling? NOT FUN. We
figured out the medication clash and that meant no more codeine for me. Let me
be absolutely clear here, I don't want more stories, I want more health
accessibility!
Kerina
Our 1 year old daughter has suffered from congenital nutropenia from birth and
as a result is it critical that she has access to antibiotics swiftly when
needed. During her last bacterial infection she was prescribed augmentin duo,
but after going to 5 chemists within driving distance it became apparent that we
would not be able to have the prescription filled. We live in Adelaide, less
than 5km from the cbd, and yet we couldn't get a simple prescription filled. I
hate to think what people in regional areas would be facing. In the end we were
forced to take our daughter to women's and children's hospital emergency
department so that the antibiotics could be administered.
Alex
I rarely take medicine, but when it is indicated there should be no barrier to
supply. My feeling is that when I fell ill recently there was strong resistance
from consulting GPs to supply medicine that they knew would help. By being
persistent I was able to secure a prescription and the script was filled. It
astounds and appals me that the government can spend millions on fashionable
trends and pull the rug on citizens where there is clear need. Our medical
system is a key pillar of a good society.
John
I have enough trouble getting my medications already without non understanding
politicians making it more difficult to access them eg I can only ring my doctor
for pain killers on Wednesday to receive on Fridays if I run out it’s my bad
luck because doctors won’t risk letting me buy in bulk ron beaton
Ron
M wife is on Warfarin to treat clots in her lungs. She was unable to get 5 mg
tablets and had to take five 1mg Tablets. How long before the 1 mg tabs run out?
Donald Reid
We have a huge list of medicines shortages at the moment. We have extensive
lists of patients waiting for the supply of some of these medicines. This issue
is only going to get worse once double dispensing comes in. There will be people
with 60 days worth of medication and some who we can’t supply any to. This 60
day dispensing is a disaster waiting to happen.
Boyd By
iv had two operations and been very ill for 18months. at Christmas I ended up
back in hospital bleeding internally. spent 2 weeks in hospital. then. went back
for another op in February. the surgeons gave me a letter and certificate
telling me to take it very easy and heal. that I could maybe go back to work at
the end of may.. However... im not able to get the meds I have to take every day
to stop the bleeding inflammation and the ulcers in my colon.... iv been trying
to get hold of this medication for 3 months now.. have rang and spoken to
pharmacy's hospitals and doctors all over wa trying to source the medication..
only to be told no sorry didn't come in u will have to wait till next month..
and then the next month.. and YES.. my health is going down hill. if I'm not
onto of my medication and food program. it will eventually and quickly turn into
cancer... I am totally shocked and in disbelief that this is Australia and all
this medication is just not being brought in. The Powers that be are playing
with people health and their lives... I need to go back to work I have a
mourgage I suffer from chronic pain i am now house bound have chronic fatigue
complete body aches terrible headaches bleeding constantly feel sick and the
burning inside of me from all the ulcers coming back is hell. they use to stock
the medication I need was never a problem. and to make matters worse there is no
alternative medication I can take that does the same job... Please some one DO
Something.. regards Tonya belton
Tonya
In April last year I was diagnosed Stage IV non hodgkins lymphoma. I was 36
years old with a new wife and a 1 year old daughter. We met with our local
pharmacist before starting treatment and they went above and beyond to ensure
they did everything they could to help. From arranging for me to have last
minute Covid and Flu shots days before my treatment started to home delivery my
prescriptions when I was too sick to get out of bed. Also the knowledge passed
on by my pharmacist about my medicines and what they do was like having an extra
doctor and was a great peace of mind. My doctor would provide rescripts and
these would be on file at my chemist so i had to do very little. I would much
prefer this type of service over 60 days scripts and medicine shortages.
Brett F
60 day dispensing is as well thought out as the introduction of cane toads.
Chirs Drapher
I'm finally on the right medications for my treatment resistant major depressive
disorder. I don't want to go back to what is my hell. I'm on 7 different
prescription medications and need every single one, lest I have a stroke, heart
attack or become suicidal yet again.
Claire
I do not believe that this 60 day policy will save any money. People will be
stock piling! All I can see is more wastage and those that really need the
medication won’t get it.
Doris
I am on Effexor and well and Ventolin, Seretide and Spiriva. If I don't have
these medications I'm quite sure I will either end up in the hospital or the
ground! Is this another way of Albanese and his co-horts to control the
Australian people. If we do as we are told we can have our medications??? Our
food???? Our Education System back to teaching the fundamentals of life and not
perverse lifestyles??? You work for the Australian people you terrorists in
Canberra, not the other way around!!!! I am sick to death of walking on egg
shells.
Lyn
Compared to other distressing stories I have read here, my problem is minimal,
but to me it is a problem. I am 89 and previously was on 100mcg of Presolol
tablets a day .Two months ago they were taken off the market and my doctor put
me on Moxonidine 200mcg, as manufacturers don't make 100mcg packs, which meant
the new tabs had to be cut in half daily. That was ok ...I took half every
morning as instructed and checked my blood pressure.I found that 100 mcg of this
new drug barely touched my blood pressure...which continued to go through the
roof by the end of 24 hours.My doctor was away . ...I could not get in to see
another doctor. I ended up at 3am one morning in Emergency with a racing heart
beat and very high BP. Luckily it wasn't serious. I am now taking 100mcg in the
morning and the other 100mcg to keep my BP stable, at night. I am still unable
to see my doctor until 17th May due to the fact that he is inundated with
appointments. The government is to blame for these shortages....more doctors
should be trained...the unjabbed ones who chose to leave, should be welcomed
back. Stop this nonsense that you are doing, Mr Albanese. Keep slinging
misfortunes like this at us and we might start to think that you are trying to
harm us rather than help us?
Anonymous
Dear Albanese, I am appalled that you are seizing such control over the
Australian people denying them their constitutional right to Brilaroxazine 100mg
which I have been unable to get for three weeks. The pharmacists are even saying
they can't get ANY STOCK IN! What an actual disgrace to our Prime Minister. Why
are we living in a medical hellscape of Albanese's perverted manufacture? Who is
he to deny hard-working, tax-paying Australians their medications?
Dale Simmonds
I am on Hydrocortisone 4mg x5 daily ,due to Hypophysitus from a rare reaction to
immunotherapy,I need this drug as my Pituitary Gland no longer functions it has
been incredibly difficult to source this drug,I was using out of use by date
20mg Hydrocortisone and breaking it as best to suit daily dose required.I
recently also tried to have a script for Keppra 250mg filled ,chemist out of
stock for this as well
Anonymous
I have hemophilia and one week in March the pharmacist said they were out of my
medication. I was amazed because has never been out until recently! I gave the
pharmacist a piece of my mind, but then she told me it was Labor's fault! I
missed it for a whole ten days. And I gave myself a cut on Monday 19/03 but
didn't know. I was bleeding everywhere but I didn't notice until I slipped in a
pool of blood in the kitchen and ended up in hospital, whence I am writing this
letter. At least Merriwa hospital has a steady supply! I shouldn't have to slip
in a pool of my own blood to get my coagulants ALBANESE YOU CLOT. You are going
to cause people like me to die horribly.
Irma Gerd
As a patient with Anti-Phospholipid Syndrome,SLE and Sjogrens Syndrome I have a
history of recurrent embolisms and clotting. For the last 6 months I have been
unable to get 5mg and sometimes 2mg warfarin tablets. I take 10mg warfarin daily
to prevent clotting. The option of 1mg x 10 tablets that would last me 5 days
was not acceptable but has been my last ditch plan for many months now. For my
other Autoimmune conditions I require a medication called Mestinon which was
also unavailable until this week. My pharmacist sourced another option at a cost
of $349 for 90 tablets as it was not on the PBS. This is compared to the normal
$47.50 for 100 tablets. I needed the medication and I paid for it. But what do
patients do who cannot afford it? The large pharmacy warehouses do not attempt
to help find alternatives. Do not force the independent pharmacies out of
business. They are critical to the well-being of patients who have chronic
conditions like mine.
Anonymous
Hallo my name is DR. BARATHA-RAJ and I wish to say that medicine has gone so far
downhill from the 1980s when I was a prescriber. Now I cannot even get Questran
Lite for my bowels. And I said to my son: JEREMY If the government is going to
interfere with my bowels, where is Albanese going to draw the line!
Dr. Vobeja Baratha-Raj
I've been after Questran for the last few months now. Imagine my horror when I
go into my local pillshop and Daryl, the local pharmacist, tells me that I'll be
waiting a damn sight longer. The alternative for Questran is 120$ which is just
disgraceful. I've said to my son, I've told him, I'm not paying the 120$,I can't
afford it. I can't go out. I can't go to bowls with the girls, I can't even so
much as leave the house to go to woolies because of all the diarrhea. I think
what the government is doing is awful. It is a disgrace. We aren't living in
Burma, I should be able to get medication when I need it.
Margery
We all know someone whose life. depends on pharmaceuticals for such things as
diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, water retention, mental illness, HIV etc. Imagine
life without the pharmaceuticals necessary to keep them alive? Only recently
after many years of trying to find herbal cures I had to start taking thyroid
medicine and a new worry has started, what happens now if I don’t get my
medicine each day? I tried a day without it and was very unwell again. Well er
are facing that risk in Australia right now. Already my friend n needs Trulicity
to help balance his blood sugar but he cannot access it. Other similar meds are
too costly to buy.
Anonymous
I have bipolar and have depression need my medicines
Andrew
The public do not understand this. Most people I speak to in my Pharmacy are
aware of the medication shortage that may be created but think double dispensing
is subsidised by the Govt. not their local Pharmacy so in fact it is a Govt
saving. This needs to be the focus now. Pay increases for Nurses and aged care
workers $3 billion of Medicare leakages by GP's and all we are asking is not for
a pay cut. The future of community Pharmacy and its services are at risk. If the
Albanese Govt. wanted to save pension and concession card holders money why did
they raise the co-payment by 50c at beginning of the year?
Robert Andrews
I am a disability pensioner. Since 'the end of covid' I have had medications
swapped for other versions, as well as totally unavailable. I suffer from
autoimmune issues as well as a myriad of other issues connected to both my
disability and secondary illnesses caused by auto immune issues. I have already
been treated like a leper for needing pain medication as a young person, put
through the ringer by previous governments regardless of party. I have friends
whose pensioner parents are unable to get blood pressure medication or even
essential diabetes medication here in Cairns. I don't believe the current
government will make medicines cheaper, how can they when there is no supply to
begin with? It is a crock of S peddled by Labor fools. We can thank both sides
of government for destroying a system that worked.
Laura
I need my local chemist down the road, Richard and the girls, are so helpful,
and save me Dr and ER visits when I'm panicking over my chronic conditions.i can
walk to chemist they friendly and provide a community service to talk to and
chat when lonely living by self, free mental health service with kindness just
when you want someone other than family. We need these in our community for mums
dad, teenagers young adults. Elderly, new mums, he will even take the time to
look at holiday photos, of an elderly disabled couple. Frightened I might not
get my medications. As big city will get them first. Maybe make medications
cheaper so all benefit. Fund more hospitals free hospital for everyone ruin the
private health system put everyone as important as the next. Cheers.
Glenys
I work in a locally owned pharmacy, the politicians keep saying there is plenty
of stock, come and actually see the pharmacies, there is no stock available at
the wholesalers, so then telling everyone there is plenty is wrong. The amount
of customers we have coming in to us for help because they can’t get into their
doctor, and the local hospital doesn’t have a doctor on call because they can’t
secure one to work, these changes are going to make it much worse. The biggest
worry is that people are going to die from misuse of the medication because they
overdose either intentionally or unintentionally. If any changes are to be made
the government need to actually consult pharmacy owners and pharmacists and
staff, we are the ones who know what it’s like and how the changes will effect
everyone
Anon
living remote has lots of challenges and we need a local pharmacist for various
medial items, scripts that change regular from our specialist and don't have the
resources / finances to drive 400km each way to get a new script each time. We
all have a desperate need to have a local pharmacist not only for locals but
visitors who need help. It is challenging living remote but please don't
penalise even more for it.
tt
I am the proud first time mother of a baby girl who is now 11 weeks old. I've
had essential hypertension (high blood pressure) and have been medicated for
this since a young age, so close observation and proper management of my blood
pressure was critical throughout my pregnancy for the health of myself and my
unborn baby. Half way throughout my pregnancy, the most effective and preferred
medication for blood pressure management in pregnancy - labetalol, became
unavailable and surcumed to an Australia wide shortage. This medication
controlled my blood pressure perfectly through pregnancy for the time that I was
taking it. The other medications for blood pressure management that are safe
throughout pregnancy were trialled, but were not as effective as labetalol in
managing my pre existing high blood pressure. I continued to be unable to obtain
any labetalol as the Australia wide shortage continued for the remainder of my
pregnancy. I developed preeclampsia which can be devastating for both mother and
baby, on top of my preexisting high blood pressure. The development of
preeclampsia was directly as a result of being unable to obtain the medication
labetalol, as this was the only safe medication that controlled my blood
pressure effectively. The developmemt of preeclampsia resulted in an earlier
than planned induction of birth. Luckily my baby was born healthy, despite being
born premature. As a result of developing preeclampsia on top of my already
pre-existing high blood pressure, I suffered an acute kidney injury which
required close blood monitoring and specialist care post birth. I required a
longer hospital stay than planned to monitor my kidney function and acute kidney
injury, directly as a result of being unable to obtain labetalol. I worry for
any other expectant mothers that may have difficulties getting the medications
they need in their pregnancy - as being unable to get the medications they need
affects the health and wellbeing of themselves and their unborn baby. My baby is
now 11 weeks old and labetalol is still unavailable Australia wide. The
pharmaceutical changes the current government is proposing will only make
medication shortages worse, leaving people without the essential medications
they need. This will have a direct result on the already drowning, healthcare
system. As I would love to have another child in the future, I worry that
labetalol will still be unavailable, ultimately effecting the health of myself
and baby throughout any future pregnancies.
Olivia Chisholm
I don't want to run out of my blood pressure tablets i am on a pension i can't
afford to pay full price for my tablets
Anonymous
Im a type 2 diabetic and have high blood pressure. and I usually get my Webster
packs monthly but this week was asked to come fortnightly to pick up 2 weeks
worth as there were shortages nationwide .this was at blooms warilla Grove .
David Holmes
The possible shortage of Escitalopram causes me great concern. I have type 2
Bipolar Disorder, axis severe, chronic, treatment resistant Major Depressive
Disorder. The range of antidepressants safe for people with Bipolar is very
restricted as the majority of them cause mood switching, which means mood
changes throughout the day, every day. Escitalopram is one of the very few safe
for me to take. The repercussions of this medication being unavailable fills me
with anxiety. Without it my severe, chronic, treatment resistant Major
Depressive Disorder is worse, and at times so unbearable that I develop suicidal
ideation. Please don't risk the lives of people with severe illnesses.
Valerie Young
I wouldn't like to see people with complicated medical conditions or people
using mainstream meds to go without or have to change to a less suitable
medication, and if that does happen it too will go out of stock very quickly
because pharmacies keep less of it and less is made by manufacturers to start
with. I also can't go without some of my medication. Please sign the petition to
help protect your loved ones and friends.
Tracy
I have a chronic incurable condition called Peripheral Neuropathy that causes
extreme nerve pain. Unless you nerve pain it is hard to understand it's
severity. I have had both knees replacements and one hip that still is giving
trouble. My wife has Osteo arthritis and rheumatoid artritis and is also
suffering extreme pain. We need our prescribed meds and the cut off payment
limit to afford them. We have both worked all out lives and paid taxes. We are
now retired and gradually but surely being discarded by Governments in this
country.
Brian Trengove
I'm not happy about this some people need their medication
Alysha
We live in a small community and already have dispensary issues, we have 1
Chemist and when they can't supply we have then a 100k round trip to find
another dispensary who may have them in stock. My worry is that 60 day
dispensing will cause more and more shortages. We are both in our 70s and have
many life changing issues which are controlled by medications, as the cost of
living bites the fuel prices rise and we have to travel a 100k round trip to get
our meds and then may have to return the following day because the stock arrives
tomorrow. You, the government, are supposed to be the solution not the problem!!
That's what people voted for!
Jude
I am a disability pensioner. I have Severe Asthma, Palindromic Rheumatism (an
episodic form of Rheumatoid Arthritis), Osteoarthritis in many joints in my
body, Osteopenia, Chronic Pain, Chronic Migraines, Facial Neuralgia (both
sides), Neuralgia in various parts of my body, Clinical Depression
Colleen
Reading the bottom of this, YOUR PROUD OF THE AMOUNT OF CLOT SHOTS GIVEN GRRR.
My mother died from this poison. The grubberment has its filthy fingers
everywhere!
Anonymous
My concern is my husband is a diabetic and heart and vascular disease. He
struggles at times to get medication prescribed by doctors already. My other
concern is why our grubberment is trying so hard to destroy our country.
Anonymous
I took time off to raise my family with the intention of not returning to
pharmacy .Unfortunately Covid hit and with the short supply of pharmacists , it
was an easy decision to return to serve the community . In the 2 years I've
worked under supervision, I've seen how hard the staff work to cope with Covid .
Staff coming to work risking catching Covid from the public and bringing it back
to their own family . Dealing with increased work load supplying RAT tests ,
vaccinating the public with Covid vaccines and flu vaccines , staff shortages
due to staff contracting Covid and neeading to isolate . Then to make shirt
staff situation worse , the need to pull one staff to stand at the front to
mamdatory ensure all customers have checked in correctly. At times I work so
hard serving from one customer to the next that I forget to take my lunch until
3pm. I am very grateful and fortunate to work in a pharmacy where the customers
really do appreciate the work that pharmacists and staff do and they know that
they can always come and see us for any medication questions-no appointments
necessary. Prompt FREE advice and sometimes no medications recommended. The
pharmacy also run a walk-in vaccination service which proved very convenient for
the community saving then time as well . Our patients also enjoy FREE monthly
Webster packing where a full time dispensary technician/ packer is hired and the
pharmacist spends the equivalent of 2 days to check Webster's. Free delivery is
also provided to any customers who are unable to get out due to illhealth and no
support. This policy will force us to start charging for these services to make
it viable. Trading hours will also be reviewed. Today I read that the government
is including in the budget to increase the wages of our hard-working nurses. Yet
they are cutting the revenue of another health care provider who also work hard
when Covid hit . We currently struggle to secure pharmacists so we can have a
break to recharge. This policy will really discourage any new contenders
considering a career or business opportunity in pharmacy. And encourage those to
exit pharmacy early. I see each and every day how hard the staff work and would
break my heart to see any of them loose their job due to this proposed policy.
To Albanese Government , its not too late to pull a plug to this . The damage
this will cost to the community and pharmacy owners definitely outweighs the
mininal $180 savings per customer per year . That's a mere 50cents a day !!!
($15 a month ) If patients can't access their local chemist whom by now are
forced to shut , they will need to go see the doctor who won't bulk bill and be
charged $30 out of pocket per consult. So Save $15 on your medince a month but
spend at least $30 in return to see the Doctor for a simple ailment .
Alternatively they can turn up to the local Hospital's Emergency department ,
get triaged and wait 5-6 hours to see a doctor for something (eg gastro ) that
could easily be treated at the local chemist within a FREE 5minute consult .
More than half of our customers enjoy their regular visits to the pharmacy .
This to them is an outing where they come in have a chat , joke around , laugh
and update us on their health. For most elderly people this is a social outing
which benefit their mental health . To reduce the frequency would surely impact
them in a way. To our loyal customers , we will fight for you but we need your
help and support too.
Anonymous
With 60 days dispensing , I worry about medication shortages and also
medications waste if patient change medications
Hanh
Hello I thought I would let you know I have been running into these shortages
for months. Multiple of my medications have been in shortage and I have a life
threatening condition Addison's disease if I do not take hydrocortisone I will
die. Hydrocortisone is in shortage I brought the last bottle from my regular
pharmacy last week. I also live with Multiple chronic pain issues and oxycodone
is also in short supply I have had to use different brands and wait for some to
come in the following day with hope it will actually be in the pharmacy order
with none left not knowing there was a shortage. This is not ok! Living in fear
of not able to access the medicine that keeps me alive is terrifying and beyond
stressful and im not supposed to be under extreme stress with Addison's disease
or my fibromyalgia pain.
Anonymous
I am very disturbed about the proposed change to allowing doctors to prescribe a
two month supply of medications. With medications in such short supply already,
despite the best efforts of pharmacists to obtain supplies from various
wholesalers, this move is a recipe for disaster. Australians’ lives are in
danger and it is irresponsible of the Federal Government to consider increasing
the amount of medication available without revue and doctors to be supporting
and encouraging this change, knowing the supply situation. I already am unable
to fill some of my prescriptions, so fear the future if this change is
introduced. I urge the Federal Government to reconsider allowing doctors to
prescribe a two month supply of medications. The effect of the same change in
New Zealand has been such dire shortages that supply for prescription
medications is now limited to seven days.
Margaret Hession
Hello, I’m sending this email in hope that the 60 day dispensing of Medication
does not go ahead. The Government does not know how much pressure is currently
on pharmacies. Leaving Pharmacists and Pharmacy Assistants to tell a sick/ in
need customers that we can’t supply them with their life saving medication is
not why pharmacies exist. Currently there is such a large shortage of medication
and with this policy that shortage will get a lot worse. People should not have
that quantity of medication in there homes, it is extremely unsafe, our duty of
care is to look after the community and check in with them when they come to get
there scripts each month, now there is no one to check that they are ok
especially with elderly patients. Pharmacies will close, the public will suffer
majorly! it’s on you! Help us fix this issue! Throughout Covid lockdowns
Pharmacy staff worked grueling hours away from their families, in the time that
they were needed most. On the frontline with no help/aid from the government for
our hard work, sweat and tears no pay rise or any incentive. You all need to
listen to us that work in the Pharmaceutical industry. This will be a nightmare!
Pharmacy staff will go on strike! This can’t happen This is people’s health in
your hands. think about your community and your own families. Kind Regards,
Concerned Pharmacy Assistant
Karen
I am a pharmacy assistant in a small town, already seeing the effects of
medicine shortages. Being the only pharmacy in the area, it would have a
devastating impact on the community, who are mostly in the older age
demographic. We would see less of our valued and much loved customers, with less
monitoring, and ultimately would have a serious impact on the health and well
being of many. I believe the government should think long and hard about the
impact this will have to so many, and less on their self serving policies and
ever increasing pay packets
Kylie
I'm a local pharmacist in the Whitsundays and I am seriously concerned for the
impact such a policy could have. This will worsen medicine shortage, increase
potential for medication misuse and force pharmacies to have to reduce services.
A disaster waiting to happen.
Tahlia
We are 76 years old and both of us need several prescriptions. Some are
necessary for quality of life and some necessary to keep us alive. I am not
impressed with what this government has done. It is completely the wrong
approach to reduce the cost of medicines. It is a typical solution by people who
have no real financial understanding and how a stupid decision can affect some
sections of the community. Any decision should be a win-win not one where
pharmacists and customers both lose.
Alfred
as a female small business owner with a team of 25 (mostly women) I am horrified
to know that the Labor government are not listening to our fears for the
viability of pharmacies and hence the wellbeing of our community. 3 years at the
frontline has already stretched me to capacity and I'll have to refer more to
hospital and medical centres if this 'economic reform' is implemented. Maddi'
(30 years second generation pharmacist)
Maddi'
I have multiple chronic illnesses, I use a Mum and Son pharmacy that will be put
out of business by this not to mention the problems I am already having with
Medicare and medication supply. We are already invisible to the government but
this will cause us so much grief. It is hard enough to be disabled and have a
medication supply shortage because that is what this will cause, which will have
most of us living in terrible pain. A lot of us already do but this will make it
worse. Our governments need to be listening to the people that these changes
will affect not the advisers that don't understand.
Maria
Why is it possible for people who WISH TO LOSE WEIGHT to access a drug that is
ESSENTIAL TO TREAT DIABETICS to use up stocks of these ESSENTIAL DRUGS. IF the
ELECTED POLITICIANS were not able to source them, I would wager that it would be
quickly passed through parliament to stop this atrocious situation.
Davis
I am prescribed Dipentum for my Polymyalgra Rheumatica (I think it is spelt like
this). I am unable to take medicines with a sodium base. I am told it will not
be supplied very soon. What do I do?
Marilyn Field
It's not only prescription medicine shortage it's also DR shortage to write the
prescripts, Both my wife and i have bad hearts, Mine from working to hard in my
early life, and my wife's due to swine flue14 years ago, but getting to see a Dr
is hopeless, the last time my wife had a problem and went to outpatients and
ended up talking to a Dr on a computer god knows where in the world he was
coming from, my wife is having a bad time at the moment as they are taking her
of one medication and placing her on another different one and she is having all
sorts of problems but cant get to see a Dr, The visits when we can get a booking
are very far and few between, if you can't se a Dr you cant get medication, I
cant get 2 mg warfarin to keep my blood at the right INR level, And can't
understand why a person on blood thinners cant have a machine like people with
diabetes, we could do our own at home also if we had our own machine, we
wouldn't have to rely on Dr just to have an INR test done each fortnight, it has
Been 2 Months since i have seen a Dr because we cant get an appointment and my
wife has not seen a Dr for 6 weeks and both won't get to see the Dr until the 30
may, so stretching the medicine out by missing night and mornings is not good
for our health, but the government is probably doing that on purpose to kill us
all of the government in charge at the moment needs to GO, Get rid of them
Brian
Regional Remote Community Pharmacy Owner I am questioning if Mark Butler and
Nicole Higgins would like to come to work and have it sprung on them that their
income is going to be slashed , meaning they cant do their job to their full
capacity as the lights are out and we dont have any staff , then in the process
to be able when we are at work, to be able, to be in the right headspace, all
the while considering if we will lose the business , go bankrupt and lose our
house ! All this with no consultation with ALL the stakeholders All these years
Community Pharmacy has provided a FREE walk in Professional advice service ,
Free phone up to patients and other Health practitioners alike , all obviously
has no $ value those persons as evidenced by this "ill informed Government led
act" I invite Mark Butler and Nicole Higgins to a sit down/ or stand up for 10
hour day with myself
Robin
I have chronic pain issues and type 1 diabetes. I visit my local community
independent pharmacy once a week for a variety of things. They know my
situation, my needs and are a massive support to me. I don’t want two months of
meds - I want to know that when I walk into my pharmacy each week they will have
what I need. More than that, I want to know that my wonderful pharmacy will
still be there for me! The pharmacy itself employs local people, they too are
hit by the cost of living crisis and they don’t want to have their shifts cut,
but the pharmacy can’t afford to have less money coming in for double the meds
going out. My meds are not supportive - they are survival. I would die if I did
not have my insulin and other diabetes supplies, and my ability to be a
functioning thriving university lecturer and single mum would vanish if I didn’t
have access to my pain management medication.
Tanya
I am very concerned about prescription medicine shortages especially with the
Government's proposal to extend prescriptions to 2 monthly. Bot my husband and
myself rely heavily on our medicines for quality of life.
Anonymous
I am a pensioner who relies on affordable access to medication for a chronic
illness. Recently, I contracted a bacterial infection as well as another type of
infection. All the pharmacists in my area were out of all generic brands of
antibiotics (I needed two different types of medicine) I had to pay full price
for one that was not covered by my pension and a surcharge on the one that was.
This meant that I couldn't afford any probiotics to prevent further
complications and had to put off buying my regular medications.
Natalie
I already have issues sometimes getting my medication when my pharmacy is
running low. I have neurological conditions that require medication so I am able
to perform at my job and study. I want to be successful to contribute to making
my community a better place, and having access to medication is an essential
part of that for me. This choice from the government is devastating and will
hurt Australia’s economy as well as its citizens.
Laura
I have worked as a community pharmacist for over 15 years. These government
changes that have been proposed will make working conditions impossible. We will
simply not be able to dispense medications safely. The drop in the dispensing
fee will lead to less staff and more work. Much of our work like phonecalls
dealing with patients having medication problems, poisonings etc goes unpaid and
is done in between dispensing and juggling other tasks. Most pharmacists are
doing at least 5 things at a time. I think this is enough for me. I'm getting
out of community pharmacy.
John
it would be good too have scripts more to not have to pay doctors that don't
bulk bill.as 56 year old that is on jobseeker and don't always have that money
in the bank account.like $110 dollars twice or even three times a week.but don't
like to know if we will run out of medicine if this happens.so the government
need to work this out.i have so many meds I'm on.its so sad government has left
this to now.please we put you there so try and fix it.its not going away and
there's always going to be people that need help with medicent.but the
government get all that they need.just don't worry about us?the people that put
you there will only take so much.please don't let us die.
Gayelen
I have been on prescription medication for the last 15 years, but don't take it
if I don't feel I need it. A 60 days supply will last me a long time, but
suspect some of it may go out of date. I rely on the pharmacy for my health -
seems crazy this newbie government are doing this without discussing with the
pharmacies?
Scott
I work in a community pharmacy and see the impact first hand of these medication
shortages. The government simply do not understand the extent in which this can
harm people. Warfarin, Ozempic, Antibiotics, the list goes on and on. These have
all been in short supply. Providing two boxes per person at a time will decrease
the chance of the next person attaining a box. Partnered with the fee cut from
dispensing fees - how are community pharmacies expected to survive?
Hannah
As a regional community pharmacist I am deeply concerned about how the 60 day
dispensing will impact our most vulnerable. Loneliness, sickness, tablet
confusion and medication shortages need someone to talk to and help them find
solutions. How can we keep an open conversation if I see them half as much?
Maddi
I suffer mental health issues and am on quite a few medications to help me cope
each day. A shortage of these types of meds would throw me into a horrible
uncontrollable state.
Wendy
My husband and I are on only a couple of medications which are both on the list
for 60 day supply. One of these we are still working out the strength we need to
no on. This if our medication changes means we will be wasting potentially a
whole months worth of medication. Which in these times seems to be such a waste.
My mother is on a few medications and usually reaches her safety net mid year
upon which they become free. With this new idea she will never reach her safety
net. This only might be a small amount of money to you but not reaching the
safety net she won’t have that spare cash to help family out or for our family
Christmas gathering in which mum likes to cater for, with that extra cash.
Please think carefully about this idea I think it’s very wrong. Not to say the
little pharmacy I shop at to keep it local might close or become restricted
opening hours.
Sharon
Why change something that works for the user of these medications. I've been
taking medications since mid December and the system works well for me. Changes
and insufficient supply of some meds will only add more stress to one's life.
Annette
I have Parkinson’s disease and COPD and need to take medications to survive I am
worried if I can not access medications on time I could contract numonia which
could be fatal I am on a disability pension and although it would be good to
have medications cheaper it should not be at the cost to the local pharmacy I
rely on the support our pharmacist gives us advice and services Thus situation
need to be addressed quickly
John
I take seven tablets a day from my heart and if I can’t get them it will be dire
consequences
Elaine
After a Heart Attack and a number of other medical issues, I need my medicines
to keep me alive.
Anonymous
I sort of understand your concern over shortages of medicines if you are giving
out double. If that is a genuine concern, could you not allow the patient to pay
for their double dose, but keep half "aside" and allow them to collect it the
following month, without needing to pay the dispensing fee again? The stock
would be unaffected, but the patient would still get the financial benefit. Or
is the whole point of your campaign to make sure you get the extra dispensing
fee?
David Roughan
Increasing the dispensing limit is nonsensical. GP's generally write scripts for
ongoing medication treatment with up to 5 repeats following the original. Each
script is notionally for a one month treatment.Dispensing for a longer period is
simply hoarding medicines that can be used by others. From experience, you dont
need to have an onhand supply in excess of a month.The governments proposal also
has the potential for unnecessary wastage of medicines that were overdispensed
should the GP consider changing or stopping that particular medicant to his
patient. Overdispensing in special cases may be appropriate should extended
periods of absence such as overseas relocations or circumstances prevail. It is
totally unnecessary in normal residency circumstances.
Anonymous
More info and facts are needed
Andrew Kallas
I have type 2diabeties and have not been able to have my prescription for
truelicity for months because people are using it to loose weight.
Mary Rae
Living regional our local pharmacies play a huge roll in our health issues. My
husband and I are elderly with quite a few health issues which require multiple
scripts, we are only one couple besides thousands of others in the community in
the same predicament. If the pharmacies are obliged to duplicate our scripts,
this not only puts a huge stress on the staff trying to obtain enough
medications to fill the demand also the stress on all of us in the community.
There are already some medications unable to be filled. Thank you for reading my
story. Hazel
Anonymous
This new plan to allow 60 day scripts must not go ahead. Our regional, wonderful
pharmacy and pharmacists may be unable to get urgent medication for their
clients. Leave it as it is please.
Anonymous
Another blow for primary healthcare. Community Pharmacy is, and always has been,
an easy target for governments. We are the first to be used by the government
when it suits them (look at the vaccinations we did during covid). We are
supposed to be in a partnership with the government and it needs to work both
ways, cutting funding out of pharmacies in the midst of an agreement is
basically poor form. A lot of services will be cut as a result of this change
and it will be detrimental to patients' health. We are here to serve the public
and achieve the best possible health outcomes for the Australian people, keeping
them out of hospitals and lessening the load on an already stretched GP system.
Changing the terms of an agreement mid-way through it is extremely rude and will
hurt pharmacy in general. We are here to help the public in all aspects of their
health and the reduction in services will be felt by ALL Australians. Medication
packs, home deliveries, blood pressure checks, vaccinations - these are all
possible due to the terms of the current agreement between the government and us
(all your local community pharmacies).
Sahil
Several of my prescription medicines have been hard to obtain recently and I
feel it will only get worse Thanks Mr Albanese and Co
Gary M
I'm extremely anxious about my future health, as I'm already on restricted
prescribed drugs (as well as medications for asthma, diabetes, heart, ) due to
health issues complicated by domestic violence . And as I get older it does seem
you take/ need more and more pills. If these medicines aren't available how does
one get to live a full life, If someone was to die due to the fact that they
couldn't access the medication the doctor prescribed, Does that mean the family
could sue for a wrongful death, due to lack of duty of care , from the
government.
Micheline Gray
My health situation is not exceptional and is for the most part very common. I
have Coeliac disease, need calcium and vitamin D supplements and several
medications every day to manage high blood pressure, cholesterol levels,
colitis, osteoarthritis and trigeminal neuralgia (TN). In particular, TN is not
so common and causes extremely painful facial pain, unless managed with
pregabalin and carbamazepine pain-blocking medications. These medications make
the pain manageable when nothing else can. The anxiety of knowing that it is
possible that the medications that help me cope with my daily pain could be in
short supply due to government policies and may not be available is in addition
causing me further stress-related pain and periods of depression. I am
astonished that the government could be irresponsible in its decision making
with regard to this issue. Surely it is obvious that the ongoing security of
regular supply of prescription medicines is critical to so many people’s
wellbeing.
Robyn Petch
Both my wife and I have been missing out on some of our diabetic medication,
also my wife has been missing out on one of her heart medications.
William
I need medication for chronic back pain and can only get 10 days supplý at a
time I have problems with medical centre making appointments for renewal of my
scripts recently when I had needed new script I was told I would have to wait
for 7 days before I could talk with doctor I had a lotta pain problems and no
relief after much stress and anxiety with my problem I had to put in a complaint
I don't like been treated this way They made me look like the arsesole for
making complaints I'm 65 years old and a member of Cobar copper city mens shed
JD
John
My psychiatrist insists I have Zoloft brand, but I haven’t been able to get it
for months.. I’m so worried about all brands being unavailable, as they were not
too long ago. My mental health plummeting terrifies me.
Penny
I’m an older person. The world has become scarier as I grow older. I’m just
recovering after a broken foot from a fall, I took a walk around my yard for
some exercise. I’m too frightened to walk the streets as other older folks have
taken falls and were left for ages before help arrived, usually by chance. The
frustration we feel as older people, pensioners, isolated and forgotten with our
health problems and people acting like gods, political fools, is sad indeed.
Abbi
I have 16 prescriptions I need to fill regularly and can't afford to go without
medication. I take big doses of antidepressants and I don't like what happens to
me if I can't take them due to shortages. I have medication for anxiety, blood
pressure, hypothyroidism and diabetes too
Cathy
I am a young patient on a long list of medications for many medical illnesses. I
am increasingly worried about panic buying of medications as I often have to
shop around and get severe withdrawals if I miss a day of medication, which can
put me in medical danger. The anxiety it is causing in the community is rising
and I would like to see only one month of medication to be dispensed at a time.
My local pharmacy is going out of business if this continues. Please look out
for Australians with severe conditions.
Jillian
As I work in a Pharmacy there will be added pressure on us as some medications
will be unavailable due to a supply shortage as people will want 2 months worth.
Katrina
I can't get access to a basic antibiotic for my child! Apparently it's been out
of stock from suppliers for several months. This should not be the standard of
medicine supply in Australia. It's frustrating going back to the dr to change
the medication. Why should we be put in this position?
Jackson
Hi I can’t believe that the medical benefits talking away ( no bulk billing,
have to pay flue vaccines for all 4 members in family, no appointments available
for nearly 2 weeks at the Jp ) and the amount of tax I paid last year
Dharmendra
Today in my 5 hour shift I have 6 patients I have dealt with personally that I
have not been able to supply their medications to due to stock shortages from
the manufacturers. I had 5 patients I could not supply doubluts to and another
patient that I could not supply Ezalo 10/5mg to.
Marianne
I am on 11 wayfarins daily and have not been able to source 5 mg for 2 months so
have needed to take 2 /5
Downing
My husband frequently can't get diabetes meds leading to hospitalisation. They
should ban their use for weight loss untill supply up to scratch. Mum also
frequently can't get various meds and we need to get dr appointment to get
script for alternative - as if drs weren't already overbooked!!!
Lyn
I have trouble getting medications and with new legislation I will never reach
safety net
Glenn Charteris
I'm on mental health medications and so is my husband . Really need to be on
them otherwise the effects will be catastrophic.
Wendy
60-day dispensing will negatively affect my health, and everyone's in the
community. I publicly condemn this Labour policy.
Nanette
This should have never been considered, it will increase medicine shortages and
put Australian lives at risk, increase stock piling and increase of medicine
misuse and potential overdoses, which I turn will all put more pressure on an
under resourced medical system????? Why??? Why????
Mandy
I currently use the drug Bisoprolol after having a cardiac arrest a few years
sgo. It is the only medication that I gave been presecribed that actually
stabilises my heart function. I fear going to a pharmacy to discover that it is
unavailable. Living in a regional area I have limited pharmacy's I can access if
one doesn't have it. Another drug I use for prostate treatment (Duodart) is
already in short supply and I have to use an alternative that is no where as
effective. I do not want my health compromised by the foolish decisions of
politicians.
Philip
My 86 year old Mum is on a lot of medications which are keeping her alive. The
Government needs to do something about the shortages. We don’t need 2 months of
supply at a time. This will only criple the existing shortages. Who is making
these crazy decisions. Sack that person. God help us.
Branka Hedges
Have been unable to get Zoloft for the last 4 months. Other, generic brand
doesn’t give the same relief of my condition and I have been waiting for this to
come back into stock only to discover that it is likely not going to.
Anna
These shortages have been around for quite sometime. In some cases medications
that are a combination need to be supplied separately so costing double!
Politicians have no idea and continue with there thought bubble mentality. Would
they take a 50% paycut?? Twice the medication will have to be labelled for half
the price so more time costs re labels etc for less pay !! Who thought this
would be a good idea???
Sandra
Iam 70 years old and have suffered with diabetes for over ten years. Over the
last six months I have had to use tablets instead of insulin injections because
Doctors were prescribing insulin injections for weight loss. The tablets did not
work as well as the insulin pen for me - my blood readings were higher. Back on
the insulin pen and readings are back to normal for me. What is the Australian
Government thinking and who gives them the right to interfer with our health and
our lives. Who ever dreamed up this idea has no concept of how this impacts on
the lives of everyday Australians with serious health problems. Shortage of
medicines is a crime that the Government should be accountable for.
Rhonda
I rely on Orixine, I CAN NOT TAKE ANYTHING ELSE. Without this medication, I WILL
DIE.
Linda Jane Rehwinkel
I have Kidney failure only 1kidney that worked 22% also Diabetes I now have
Ozempic which my k function is now 42%, have trouble getting script's
monthly,this new 2 monthly is ridiculous means some might get medication others
will miss out,I have since had Heart attack and mild stroke,for God sake leave
Prescriptions monthly
Pamela
As an age pensioner on a lot of medications, I am truly concerned about the
proposed changes to the pharmaceutical industry. I continue to be able to work
part-time and contribute to the community because of the excellent health care I
receive. My local pharmacy, Hawthorn East Pharmacy, provides me and all those in
my area, excellent service in so many ways. I can have medication delivered, pay
later when I have the money, and am able to speak to the pharmacist on the phone
whenever needed. This wonderful service needs to continue for the increasingly
aging population. Making cuts to any revenue received by local pharmacies is not
even an option. I voted for our current Labour government to ensure that areas
such as health care, education and welfare are protected. These proposed changes
are worrying, to say the least. Please continue to support our hardworking small
pharmacists!!
Robynne
I have been having supply problems for months now for Ozampic Thanks Ann
Ann-Margret Coorey
I have not been able to get my medication for diabetes.have had to go on tablets
with lots of side effects
Ros adams
I would like to give you a personal perspective on the daily challenges of
meeting the needs of our patients. As an independent community focused pharmacy,
all our patients are attended to by a registered pharmacist and are individually
counselled on their health care needs. To provide an understanding of daily
interactions, I would like to share with you some examples of the care we
provided in a single day last week. The day begins with the “usual” phone calls
from consumers, trying to source medications that are not currently available.
At the top of the list are diabetic, heart and cholesterol combination
medications. We are not able to help these people as our priority is to provide
these prescription drugs if and when they become available to our own patients
already on a waiting list. A father presents with a prescription for an
antibiotic, in syrup form for his three year old son. This form has not been
available for the last few weeks. It is an antibiotic for a specific condition.
The pharmacist consults with the parent who is confident the child will be able
to swallow an adult style capsule. The pharmacist then consults with the
prescribing doctor and organises for an alternative script to be sent to the
pharmacy in order to provide the medication that day. The pharmacy is notified
of the impending arrival of a medication for diabetes that is in high demand but
has been difficult to source and unavailable for an extended period of time. We
receive six boxes which is insufficient for all our patients. We must assess who
is going to be supplied and then notify our patients by phone. The partner of an
elderly patient suffering from early-stage Alzheimer’s condition presents with a
prescription for his medication. Unfortunately, the brand of his tablets is
another difficult to source product and has been out of stock for weeks. The
partner is distraught as she knows her husband will be confused and upset that
an alternative brand will come in different packaging and the tablet looks
different. Another patient wants to collect her combination pack of cholesterol
medication. Unfortunately, this drug is also unavailable. We ring the doctor,
organise a new prescription to be sent for two alternative drugs and dispense
these for the patient. Each of these and other similar interactions need time as
well as understanding to resolve and meet the individual needs of our patients.
Our pharmacy model is to manage these issues with as little disruption as
possible to the treatment prescribed by our patient’s doctors. For these reasons
I believe the change to the 60-day supply model is not in the best interests of
patients in particular the elderly and infirm.
Athena (Pharmacist)
I have been on medication for over 7 years. I need it on a daily basis. Skipping
one dose immediately impacts my physical health, leaving me dizzy and generally
unable to function properly. At one point there was an unexplained shortage - I
couldn't get it anywhere and had to take the generic brand. I had a severe
adverse reaction to the generic brand, including racing heart beat, dizziness,
nausea and vomiting. No medication at this point was better than the generic
brand. I took time off, without pay, and kept searching for chemists who might
have some stock. I know this will happen again if people are allowed to purchase
large amounts of drugs at one time. People will hoard (scared of more lock
downs) and some may unscrupulously figure out scams to purchase here in
Australia so they can sell them for much higher amounts overseas. Please don't
allow this. Decisions like this destroy lives.
Sophie
I have had nothing but trouble with supply for quite some time. Especially when
it comes to my young child ! Do better !
Jana Shilo
Stories from the pharmacy: I saw a boy from mu daughters school and mother come
to the pharmacy on Friday and went out to say hello. I knew he’d been unwell and
asked how he was going. He was pale, had a headache for 2 days and was
lethargic. His mother said that they’d been down the street for 30 mins and was
ready to go home. I asked him to put his chin to chest, which he said hurt. I
told the mother to take him to the hospital and mention the word Meningitis, so
that she’s not fobbed off by a busy hospital ED. She rang the hospital and they
did fob her off to call 13 health, which she did. They agreed that he should be
assessed by the hospital for Meningitis and they called an ambulance. He was
taken to the local hospital by ambulance and wasn’t seen for around 4-5 hours by
a doctor but had bloods taken earlier. Meningitis was confirmed and he was
transferred to Toowoomba for treatment. They are waiting to confirm the strain
and find out the treatment course. As an aside I got a message from the
ambulance officer that responded to the call out asking a question (unrelated).
I mentioned that I knew she’d been on that call out. She replied that he must
have presented much worse to me than to her, and she disagreed with the
possibility of meningitis. There are many paths that could have derailed him
going to the hospital. The mother has said that if I hadn’t told her to go to
the hospital she would have gone home and given him Panadol, because that is
what we are used to hearing when our children are sick. Thought this story might
help with the current pharmacy climate. We sometimes offer free advice that
saves lives, even if our opinions are sometimes devalued by others.
Sarah
I work for community pharmacy, we're going to have such major shortages of cash
to feed our gigantic fat corporate overloads. I'm so scared of the future of
medical businesses being focused on community healthcare instead of attempting
to be America light. I mean it's not like the AMA and the Pharmacy Union and an
independent board all agreed that this policy benefits society as whole or
anything. They need to be focused more on the important issues like corporate
profits!
Franklin
My husband's life has been an ongoing struggle with multiple chronic health
issues from 18 years of age. He has survived 4 major surgeries and cancer, only
to reach the age of 75 and face the prospect of a extremely painful without his
life sustaining replacement steroids. Without which, he will suffer an Adrenal
Crisis and surely die. I've been his wife for 49 years and his number one health
advocate and I will not stand by and watch this happen to the man I love, after
all he's suffered over the years. He deserves better and so do so many others
like him. This isn't just about living better, IT'S ABOUT FIGHTING TO STAYING
ALIVE!
Libby
Iam a diabetic and my injection is not there iget4 injections then no more for
months at a time
Jenny
After being mandated the Covid -19 injections for my work as a nurse I have
developed hypertension and now it is Chronic Hypertension as after 2 years with
chronic condition in and out Hospital and to many Doctors and specialists I am
now on 4 antihypertensive medications that are all on the list of shortages or
not available now !! I am questioning why this is happening ? The TGA has banned
medications and prevented early treatments for Covid in Australia These early
treatments like ivermectin has now proven far safer and effective than the toxic
injections that the Government and Healthcare Professionals have forced us to
have Now everyone is extremely dependent on some sort of medication for
conditions they didn’t have before these Forced Mandates of a injection called a
vaccine which is really gene manipulation which is making our bodies make the
spike protein that causes inflammation setting up new diseases or Turbo Cancers
These toxic injections also contain nanoparticles that passes the blood brain
barrier and all membranes to causing huge health problems .Now we have this drug
shortage and collapse of the Health Systems This is Malpractices and Genocide
Susan
I’m very concerned for Australians, listening to what the derelict Labor
Government is proposing is the most STUPIDEST plan known to the Western
civilisation . I have seriously grave concerns for who these morons are running
the country, of all the social welfare issues in the world to tackle and they
offer more medication at half the price, bravo Prime Minister. Thank you for
thinking of the millions of tax payers unable to get their medication because
you’ve already exhausted a fractured system. I pray for common sense to prevail
and someone with a brain in parliament to act accordingly.
Devina
Pharmacys are a vital link in both problem solving and supplying medication, but
if they are robbed of availability the whole health system will collapse at the
pointy end. Rationing of drugs in the past whilst inconvenient run into urgent
as i care for my ailing mother. with greater, unnecessary pressure put on supply
if this vote grabbing tactic goes ahead will rob a sea of older australians
their everyday medical needs. Why would such an action even come into play, we
have seen the response by the Australian public to toilet paper grabs in Covid,
imagine how much panic will set in let alone medication grab with the travesty
of pills sitting in cupboards or having to be destroyed where presciptions
change over time... such a waste and for what???????
Paul
I like to keep on top of my medication as I take many life saving medications so
I get a supply every 21 days. This makes sure I have them on hand when needed.
Over the past few years the supplies have been short and I have had to wait
until they have returned. Not so long ago I had my local community pharmacist
want to buy back one of my lifesaving medications that because another one of
his customers couldn't get a hold of the medication. I saved someone's life that
day, And so did my local community pharmacist!!!!
Lorraine
I have been on prescription medication for 49 years. Am I to now discover it’s
no longer available? This would mean significant risk to my health if cut off.
Andrew
I work in a Pharmacy that has a massive amount of customers, obviously we’re
going to experience detrimental shortages effected people health and lives
without a doubt. Not only does it effect their lives but the business as well if
this goes through we lose money meaning we might not be able to stay open till
6PM and have to close at 5PM, we’ll most likely lose young staff that are still
in school as they start at 4PM after school they will not want to come to work
for one hour, so they’ll look for jobs with more hours. Maybe instead of
“supporting” the health system, stop handing out voucher for people not wanting
to search for a job and blaming COVID-19, they’re enough jobs around (NSW).
Klay
shortages are two things that affected my husband Warfrin and diabetic needles
which have not helped. his medical conditions
Myrtle
I am a local early career Community Pharmacist working in the Blue Mountains. I
have previously worked as a Hospital Pharmacist and have seen first hand how
overwhelmed both systems are. I have major concerns over the proposed 60 day
dispensing announcement. Hospitals and community pharmacies alike are already
majorly understaffed and are unable to cope with current workloads and my fear
is this new scheme will further overload our public health system. Pharmacists
are always on the front line in the community, we do not take appointments and
offer an array of FREE services to patients that they would otherwise need to
pay for if they went to the GP. This scheme is likely to be a big hit to
remuneration and cause layouts across our industry thus reducing hours and
services. In addition, we have been hit with MAJOR stock delays which will only
become worse with this scheme. I can imagine the political backlash such
increased stock issues will be once the scheme is enacted in September. I am
shocked and disgusted by the recent annoucments. I've emailed multiple MPs with
no reply other than the general "we will get back to you". I am worried for my
patients, my small local community pharmacy and my career.
Hannah
I am continually disappointed and somewhat annoyed that the current Federal
Government insists on making the lives of senior Australians so difficult. We
need string assurance that Ageing Australians will be assisted and protected
from the shocking price hikes
Mary Newell
Hi, I feel that on the surface this sounds like a good idea that will improve
the cost of living for Australians, but the funding behind this policy is the
Pharmacies of Australia. It is a direct cut to their livelihood under the guise
of Government savings. We voted for the Labour Party in part because of their
commitment to our profession, and their view that they ‘supported pharmacy in
it’s current form.’ It was also their undertaking to not support any move that
threatened the viability of community pharmacy that was important to me. I feel
as if we have been scammed! This move will threaten the livelihood of most
pharmacy businesses in Australia. The Government would know the cost to purchase
a pharmacy and that it usually requires borrowing large amounts. I really hope
that they can see the failings of this policy and talk to The Pharmacy Guild
constructively. The Guild Government agreements have always been predicated on
allowing access to medicines for Australians and continuing the viability of
Community Pharmacies in Australia. There are some valid concerns about stock
availability and patient safety that need to be considered, and as Pharmacists
we can work with patients to try our best to address these, but it can’t be all
gain for the Government and all pain for Community Pharmacies. It needs to work
both ways.
Rory Thompson
Not fun having to take 7 medications daily but the alternative is worse. To die.
Haven’t been able to get Ozempic for weeks Politicians Please don’t mess with an
already difficult situation. You will kill a lot of us Or is this the plan. Kill
us off and save pensions. I’m beginning to think this is so
Jeanette
I am shocked to hear even basic medication eg Panadol is going to be
discontinued by next year.It is just ridiculous and terrible
Roziah
I am a dispense technician at our local pharmacy in a rural town in Western
Australia. Since hearing the news about the 60 day dispensing going ahead, we as
a small community pharmacy fear for the health of our customers as we have a
large elderly population who depend on us to liaise with GPs and other medical
professionals to make sure they are on the right medication, dose etc. We take
pride in looking after our customers, from free advice, webster packing for the
community and nursing home patients, to accessing scripts from other pharmacies
around Australia for our tourists. We feel as if we put in 0 effort, and whilst
most of our customers see this, a lot do not realize how much goes on behind the
scenes. As a rural pharmacy, we are scared we will lose staff and in the worse
case scenario, our pharmacy. The Pharmacy Guild had put forward the idea some
time ago to make all medicines $19 at a government subsidized cost, but now
pharmacies are taking the hit, and for what? I believe pharmacists and
pharmacies are not selfish or whiners, we do SO much, not for the health of our
communities, but so much more as well. We hold fundraisers for local events,
offer a friendly chat, and deliver medications/products to our customers who
cannot make it in. We are like a family. We help people through stressful times
by being available and provide solutions in all aspects on health, including
mental health. We want all Australians to have access to affordable
medication... but not at the cost of our pharmacies. I could go on and on - but
I just want to express our fear if the 60 day dispensing will go ahead September
1st.
Taylah
I am the owner of a small community pharmacy. I was planning to begin offering
increased services such as Slepp Apnoea testing within the next few months. Also
employing more pharmacists and training new pharmacy assistants over the next 6
months. With these propsed cuts to our PBS remuneration this will not be
possible. Unfortanately my community will suffer from a short sighted Health
Minister.
Maxine
The ALP/GREENS could not make a roaster for a 2 man boat with one off sick. they
are killing Australia
Phil
I really worry about all these people who rely on their medications to just get
by day-to-day with chronic conditions such as heart failure, anxiety,
depression, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Australians are supposed to band
together during times of medication shortage, not tear each other down, which is
what Mark Butler and the Albanese government seem to think is fair to do. How
many of them depend on pharmacies for their day-to-day living??? It infuriates
me how blind and uncaring they are...
Samantha
Having checked shortage of medication list my breast drug and both blood
pressure medications are NA this is absolutely disgusting and I Will not be the
only Person in this pisition. Mr Albanese DO NOT MESS with the drug system we
have in Australia You, your Government are messing with peoples lives it has to
STOP now
Elizabeth
I have had to change my medicine several times because of shortages and product
deletion each time it has caused more problems and I have had to attend
hospitals plus many doctor meetings multiple tests which in turn take up lots of
money and medical staffs time which could be used more efficiently elsewhere and
would also reduce the overall government medical costs in this country we need
an Australian government not just an American copy
Sam
I am worried about the impact this will have on medicine shortages and Community
pharmacies. My local pharmacy often provides free advice to my mother whilst she
looks after my father at home who has advanced dementia. Even if GPs are able to
see more patients in the future, many people with carers responsibilities rely
on their more accessible pharmacist for frequent professional advice . Loss of
income will mean the pharmacy will have to cut opening hours and staff.
Andrea
I haven’t been able to get doubluts or duodart for so long. No substitute on pbs
. I’m now feeling very embarrassed calling around different pharmacies
advertising my condition . I have not been able to pee and it’s affecting my
life
Np
I am on Warfarin for life. These past few months has affected me extremely with
low
Rachael
I’m a single town small pharmacy owner serving 1100 people with no doctors, I’m
worried about stock shortage already existing such as Trulicity, Ozempic and
blood thinners such as Coumadin affecting elderly here and also about risk of
closure or make my hard working juniors and pharmacy assistant redundant at
least!
Beshr
I am worried to lose my job as pharmacist assistance!
Dina
I am concerned about viability of my local PCY having to cut their open hrs and
the staff cut s they may suffer being a small small business. the fact also that
it will take me longer to reach my Safety NET*
Vicki
This is an unfair and inequitable plan... MOST people will (eventually) be able
to access 60 days supply of MOST of their medicines. I fear the people who don't
fit into the "MOST" category will be the most vulnerable. The simplest way to
make medicines cheaper for Australians is to reduce the co-payment!
Tarin
I find it incredible that Woolworths and Coles are forced to sell Paracetamol
and Ibuprofen in reduced quantities due to overuse/misuse but Pharmacists are
expected to send home 60 days supply of prescription medication to their
patients. This is also putting them in a position to over-supply one patient and
potentially leave another patient without. If the government is legitimately
wanting to help with the high cost of living and the strain on health services,
there's got to be a better way of doing it without the negative impact on our
pharmacies. I've seen first hand the effort our Pharmacists and their staff put
into getting through those initial covid years and the toll it took and still
takes. Our leaders can somehow manage a promise today to allocate $240 million
in funding towards a football stadium but wish to make pharmacies foot the bill
for their policies to make a politician's numbers look good on paper. This is
absolutely disgraceful and shows just how out of touch these people are. To even
consider making decisions like this without the proper consultation with the
right people is dangerous. To be taken seriously, maybe some of our Pharmacists
should take up AFL.
Mrs.S
I have not been a le to get Questran Lite since beforeJanuary 2023. I need this
medication to give quality of life as I have Crohns disease and have chronic
diarrhoea with out it.
John Roydhouse
I have not been able to get Questran Lite since January and the alternative is,
$120.00 and as I'm an aged pensioner this is hard to find, without this
medication I can't leave the house..
Moira Instance
I have been unable to get Questran for more 3 months. The substitute is $120 for
60 sachets and takes nearly a month to arrive. Questen costs $7.30 for 100
sachets. The substitute does not work as well because it has both a colouring
and extra aspartane which is not conducive with chronic diarrhoea which means I
need to take Gastro Stop which can cause stomach cramps when I take sufficient
to stop breakthru diarrhoea. Not having access to Questran severely affect my
quality of life.
Shirley
It is important that we have the appropriate information and resources to ensure
that we have access to the latest information and services available for our
members health
Jimmy Byriel
I've been getting medicines for my 98-year-old father from a community pharmacy
for years now. The shortages of antibiotics, injections, antidepressants,
immunosuppressants, and otologicals are getting out of control. If these
shortages continue, I don't think he's going to make it to 99! Anthony Albanese,
please don't kill my father!
Izzy Dediet
I take 7 medications daily that I’ve been on for over 10 years, since my initial
diagnosis. I’ve tried many other medications and management techniques, but the
current combination I’m on is perfect and has been working really well for the
last 2 years. My regular pharmacist has said that 3 of the 7 are already
difficult to get, and that’s without the 60 day prescriptions. If my medications
become nearly impossible to get and I run out, within 5 days I’ll be dead. It’s
that simple. I need these drugs to survive and I’m extremely worried that my
life is going to be in danger because of the changes. Are there safeguards in
place? What happens when people flood the hospitals and ERs trying to get their
medication? What happens when pharmacists can’t even provide emergency doses to
people like me? Why do we have to “wait and see” what demand will produce which
shortages, leading to life threatening results? Is my life that dispensable?
Georgia
I am terrified about this change . I have to take hydrocortisone ( at least 26mg
per day) as a life saving medication . At the moment there is such a shortage
that I begged my chemist to compound for me , I don’t want to go through the
stress of knowing the medication that saves my life may become in shorter supply
because of the new system . I take this medication because my body doesn’t
produce the stress homone needed to live so now the government will potentially
kill me ? A government I voted for . Please reconsider 🙏
Pamela
Iam unable to access medicines prescribed for diabetes and have to take others
that are harmful to my kidneys.
John Phillip Trembath
As a Pharmacist assistant/Dispense tech, I find this move to be extremely
horrible for a number of reasons which have been addressed by others in the
comments. First off, pharmacies will close. People will lose their job. What
happens to those in rural areas? Will they be able to track down certain
medications that enable them to live? Ozempics???? Trulicity???? COUMADIN???
ANTIBIOTICS??? So many more medications are on the shortlist and leaving a lot
of our citizens vulnerable and life threatened. Who on earth thought this was
such a good idea is my question. I am so sick of feeling disgusted by the
governments decisions lately. Great country my ass.
Mel
I have been prescribed ozempic for my diabetes. It has been very hard to get for
quite some time now and I have been having trouble controlling my levels since
the shortage. I had weight loss surgery 4 years ago and have managed to get off
using insulin but if this remains in short supply I will no doubt be back on
insulin in the very near future. The problem I believe has been exacerbated by
doctors prescribing it as a weight loss remedy thus putting others who need it
at risk
Alan munks
Introducing my two adult daughters, 51 yrs and have complex epilepsy . On 22nd
April, we were advised when attempting to fill a script for Dilantin Suspension
for both of my daughers, we were advised Wholesalers Austwide out of stock. My
daughters both use a PEG for food , hydration and medication. One of my
daughters was rushed to emergency with Involuntary Movement caused by
fluctuating Dilantin Levels. I phoned 20 chemists, all the hospitals, public and
private, without being able to source any Dilantin. Response OUT OF STOCK.
Thanks to friends we were able to source 3 bottles. My daughters go through 1
bottle a week. Dilantin is imported and the ship is expected to dock on 2nd May.
It is unlikely stock will be available until 9th of May. Without dilantin, both
my daughters are at risk of going into Status Epileptus (coma). I believe with
people stocking up with two months supply as per Government changes, this will
drive and contribute to additional shortages. There are no other options for my
daughters for this medication. I would advise there needs to be some
consultation on how pharmacies can continue to meet supply and demand and the
impact on vulnerable people . Shortages are constant now and this will only
increase. Bobby Noone
Bobby
I am on continual medication due to coronary artery surgery. Restriction of any
of this medication may well be detrimental to my health.
Ray
i do believe many will die if this system is put in place . i need three
medications to even stay alive … tertroxin ( t3 ) due to thyroid cancer and
removal of my thyroid , calcitriol due to surgically induced hypocalcemia , and
calcium citrate as my body doesn't not absorb calcium carbonate. i cannot stay
alive without these medications. And also fruscamide for hypertension. Please
serve the people and be compassionate. I can only take two antibiotics for my
leukemia , as i am allergic to any others. Please reverse this decision.
kate
I am heavily reliant on many medications for multiple health issues, taking 9
tablets every morning and another 4 throughout the day. I suffer from Epilepsy,
ADHD, and cholesterol issues amongst more. Medication is what we rely on to
treat and help us with the majority of our conditions these days, and it makes a
huge difference for me. When I’ve been without my epilepsy meds because of
supply issues (which has happened once or twice with current supplies), I’ve had
attacks that have scared the people around me. When I’m well medicated I might
have an attack once a month, but when I’m struggling for supplies I have attacks
at least once a week. My absent seizures come on without warning for me; so I
can’t drive, climb ladders at work, or babysit my nieces and nephews. At jobs
I’ve put plant pots over my head and fell down stairs; worst example was giving
myself 2nd degree burns filling a camping gas tank at a fuel station. My meds
mean the world to me. Now, the times when I’ve had excess supply have been no
different to the times I’ve had 4 tablets left. The issues I’ve had came from
the lack of meds, the missing tablets… that’s where the danger comes from. I’ve
also seen my grandmothers heart issues at extremes without meds, and this is
just me. Imagine the what the wider nation goes through? My medical team,
especially my pharmacist, are amazing. My chemist takes care of so many people
who know him like family, and with alternative options when they can’t get my
exact prescribed meds I’ve been able to get through tough times. He is panicked
about what’s about to happen to so many of his patients, who will be in the same
position with 2 weeks or 6 weeks medication in the drawers, but whose lives may
be at risk when they have nothing left and their chemist can’t help them with
anything. My last attack saw me almost trip down a flight of stairs… and I’d say
I was saved by maybe a dozen foot-steps and the medication I had in my system
from my freshly filled script. If it weren’t for the meds I could be filling
this out from a hospital bed right now and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone. I’m
just as safe with 15 tablets as I am with 60, especially because I trust my
chemist can give me more meds when the 15 would run out. The thing is, if I had
45 days worth of meds, and that meant another patient had none, than their life
could be at risk. That’s not right and I don’t understand how we can put lives
at risk? We need to make sure we can all have a decent chance to have the meds
we need
Steaphan Markotany
I take many daily medications for chronic illnesses, including steroids. The
steroids literally keep me alive. You can imagine my level of concern when my
pharmacist recently told me that my steroids were unavailable! I, and many
others, rushed to the specialist doctor for an alternative that was actually
available. What happens when that alternative medication becomes unavailable
too? I am literally scared for my life by this poorly thought out government
decision!
Sarah
As someone who works in pharmacy, this will cripple an already fragile
situation. There are hundreds if not thousands of medications that are either in
short supply or very close to being discontinued right now across Australia.
This is a very dangerous situation as it is
Jessica
I need warfarin for mechanical heart valve and it’s very hard to get supplies
many people will die if these issues aren’t solved promptly
Gary
I am currently impacted by the shortage of coumadin 5mg and most recently also
the 2mg. I am on 9mg daily for a blood clotting issue and this is the only
medication I can take.
Kylie Smith
I have been a registered pharmacist for the past 6 years. There are so many
medications which are out of stock or in limited supply. As of 28/04/2023,
current medications which are out of stock from our wholesalers include
warfarin, diltiazem and dulaglutide (Trulicity). Some of my patients taking
warfarin cannot switch to a different type of anticoagulant so when their
warfarin supply runs out, they cannot take anything to prevent a blood clot,
leaving them at risk of getting a stroke or heart attack. Some medications, like
diltiazem cannot be stopped abruptly. So when diltiazem is out of stock and
patients have run out of their supply, they will stop taking it all of a sudden.
This puts them at risk of getting rebound hypertension and angina, and
consequently hospitalisation. I have a lot of patients on my waiting list for
dulaglutide (Trulicity) and most of the time they are prescribed this medication
because other medications have not been able to properly control their blood
sugar levels. When this is out of stock, multiple doses are missed and their
blood sugar levels are not managed properly, leaving them at risk of multiple
complications from diabetes. Medication shortages like these should not be
happening in a country like Australia.
Jennifer
My story is about rheumatoid arthritis biological medication as we ran out of it
in February of 2021 and was switched to another medication and this didn't work
for me as I have had a terrific time finding biologics that I don't have an
allergic reaction to. We are in 2022 and I'm still not on a biological. In part
due to a health crisis and trying to find a biological that will might work. I
have needed antibiotics and not been given them due to the government cracking
down and ended up with phenomena. My other meds I have to break in thirds as
there is a shortage of my tablet so it's substituted with a slow release one. My
carer is on Coumadin and has just been told you won't be able to get that for
about 4 months and is told could upset everything as this may not agree with his
heart valve or blood thinning. This is serious. For me the last time a
biological didn't agree with me I had hives for 9months and still get skin
problems when I overheat. I'm exhausted from not being on meds and so much in
pain. Help us, help our selves lead as normal lives as possible.
Ivy
As a community pharmacist for 25years I pride myself on being part of the ground
zero pharmacists who get the honour to triage patient ailments, who get to treat
patient every day ailments, who get to vaccinate patients, who gets to aid with
sleep apnoea trials and services, who gets to aid peoples medication
understanding and solve medication confusion by providing free MedsChecks, who
gets to keep patients safe by providing medication packing services. Pharmacists
are the most accessible health professional in the community and we value the
trust we have. Pharmacies cant afford to lose staff, but they also need to be
able to afford staff and by introducing a 60 day dispense ruling, this could
affect staffing levels and with this, quality of pharmacy services. We do not
want to wind up like America, where patients cant afford medication nor have
quality pharmacy care or services. Also, supplying households with excess
medication, especially to elderly who may already have declined cognitive
ability, this would just increase medication confusion, ineffective medication
storage, increase the numbers of hospital medication overdosing incidents,
accidental swallowings, with the government already spending 1.4 billion
annually to deal with these hospital admissions. What about the increased
unfront payment for people. Some people struggle already with affording a
monthly supply of medication. These are serious issues, and decreasing chronic
disease patients contact with a medicalprofessional will lead to a decline in
medical care level for patients. These a reasons for not putting such
irresponsible rules into place.
Mafalda Zunic
Start on a new drug for dementia, down to my last 3 tablets and the chemist
doesn’t have it in stock!
Vandra Mellers
I have to take liquid Warfarin every day I was told by my dispensing Chemist
that supplies were running low this medicine is vital to me
Patricia
I live regionally and work in a pharmacy. I have seen first hand what it means
for patient's to have to go without their medications. We have felt the impact
for far too long. Adding this stress to me, my coworkers and my boss will be far
too much. These potential shortages can be devastating to our small town. It is
not as simple as going to the next suburb over and trying a different shop. The
next town is 2.5 hours away. We are talking about people's lives and their
livelihoods. Lets not play games.
Jessica
I have a chronic auto immune disease requiring continuous medical monitoring and
very strong medicines. It’s stressful enough daily without adding the fear of
not being sure if I can access the medications that allow me to attempt to live
a normal life as best possible and hopefully some longevity. I was astounded the
first time I was told by the pharmacy of shortages and told I’d have to wait for
medications to come in, am I still in Australia? Without medications I would
almost certainly have to quit work. The knock on affects of this is far greater
than a healthy person could even imagine. Please have some empathy and focus on
this!
Sarah
I am 89 years old and taking many medicaitons. I do not need more medications
lying around. This will only confuse me. I live on my own.
Sheila Bain
I rely on medician to keep me mobile ,ffs get rid of this idiot ,he's destroying
our country.
Dee
Has the government thought of the full extent of the repercussions. Job loss,
business closure, supply shortage, what it means to have more pills accessible
in a home and at the hands of fragile people. What about customer interactions
with pharmacists who care about their customers and ask them if they have
concerns, contact doctors and pick up on their errors. These consults become
less frequent. Do not believe what the media is saying, especially with regard
to supply. The inaccuracies of their comments is monstrous. No, it’s not all
about dollars and it’s not as good easy as calling suppliers and having
medication sent out in 24 hours. This going through is highly detrimental to the
health and welfare of many Australians.
Natalie
Iam a cancer patient undergoing long term chemo light" for multiple myeloma .lam
on a lot of different medications ,which are very important,blood thinners
ect.It would be very detrimental to my health if l was not able to access them.l
think it is abhorent that the Gov.is not commited to keeping the supply of
essential medicines.
jo
I have been in the pharmacy industry since I was 15 years old (as an assistant -
now a pharmacist) I am now 34. I have NEVER seen shortages of this magnitude. To
bring in 60 day dispensing will worsen this, I don't care what the media or the
government are telling people! IT WILL. Take it from someone who has dedicated
her entire life to the pharmacy industry!!
Aimee Pearson
I have multiple health issues which among other strategies I rely on medicines
to manage these issues They are Bipolar High blood pressure Frequent headaches/
migrane Sensitive skin Sun damage Bad back
Edwina
I’m a solo working Mum with a 2 year old, and I deal with chronic health issues
on a daily basis. I have inflammatory arthritis, fibromyalgia, depression and
anxiety. Over many frustrating years, my care team and I have managed to
establish what medications work best together. When I have everything in place I
function almost normally, but it’s like juggling balls in the air… drop one and
they all come tumbling down. If I run out of medication my pain returns, and
withdrawal from some of them makes life miserable. I also take a beta blocker
for super-ventricular tachycardia, and if im late taking this my heart races and
I become faint. I’m scared to test what would happen if I ran out completely.
I’m lucky that I would only experience pain and discomfort, but some of these
medications keep people alive.
Jeannette
I have on going need for drugs and I must be assured of the ability of them. I
demand that an Australian drugs manufacturing industry be established to
manufacture life's essential drugs
Tralee Snape
I have worked as a pharmacist for the past 30 years. They current medicine
shortages occurring throughout the country is the worst by far that I have ever
experience - worse than during the initial period of the pandemic. Introducing
60 dispensing will only exacerbate this situation immensely. Comments from the
Health Minister stating that there is no problem currently and that 60 day
dispensing will not make it worse either show his complete ignorance in the
matter or he is LYING - probably both. If 60 day dispensing goes through it will
decimate the pharmacy industry. Over 30% of staff will lose their jobs, trading
hours will have to be drastically slashed, services currently provided for free
or minimal charge will have to cease or the true cost of providing of the
service will need to be charged. Free advice will be a thing of the past. This
proposed ill thought-out policy, will significantly lower the standard of
healthcare of this country for all Australians!
Stephen
My 87 year old Mum has been taking Serepax for her anxiety for many years. If
this medication becomes unavailable my Mum will be in serious trouble as Serepax
is addictive and she can't just stop taking it. The politicians are saying one
thing and the pharmacists are saying another, I know which one I believe.
Kerry Daley
I am a 73 yr old women who is unable to get my heart medication and have had to
go on a lower dose, what will happen to me and millions of other people if that
also becomes unavailable
Christine
I have worked in pharmacy from 30 years ago and more recently the past 18
months. 30 years ago medicine stockpiling was rampant and common, especially
with older patients, who were anxious about running out of essential medicines.
The recent medicines shortage is now impacting every generation of patients, not
just older patients. The services and support I provide for patients will no
longer be possible with the 60 day dispensing in effect. Recently, i supported a
patient who described a situation he experienced, my advice was to attend his dr
as i believed he experienced a TIA (mini stroke). The patient called me the
following day to say he had a scan which showed a brain aneurysm, with a risk of
rupture. He thanked me for saving his life. The opportunities to support and
advise patients with their concerns will no longer be possible if the community
pharmacy industry is disrupted the way it will be by these changes - i will
likely lose my job and there will not be people like me with the experience to
support patients. Lives will be lost.
Amanda
My nan has real bad arthritis in her feet and hands and getting prescribed stuff
to help and she really needs it for work and if the month wait is extended that
means she would not be able to work anymore
Kai
The Pharmacist who saved my life By TERRY GALLAWAY, OAM At 2.15 in the morning
of Wednesday, September 9, 2009, I suffered a medical incident, which
subsequently led to diagnosis as a stroke. At that time I had no indication of
what had happened. I went back to sleep, until about 8.30, when I found I had
limited vision in my left eye. With Coral at work, I drove to the Colyton shops,
and into the Colyton Centre Pharmacy, and a meeting with Veronica Nou that, as
subsequent events proved, would save my life. I asked Veronica for something for
my eyesight, she told me very firmly to go to the doctor. I replied that my
family GP didn’t work Wednesdays. Again she told me firmly to go to the
adjoining Medical Centre, where, she said, Dr Dimitri had just arrived to open
the surgery. Long story, cut short: Dr Dimitri sent me to a Penrith eye
specialist, he sent me for an MRI the next day, and on Friday morning we
received the diagnosis of an ‘’infarction’’ or stroke, and advised me to go
immediately to my GP to seek hospital treatment. Mid-afternoon I did just that
only to have the doctor tell me: ‘’it’s too late now to do anything. Go home,
take some aspirin and come back on Monday morning’’. That afternoon, Friday
September 11, we had a family barbecue planned and at 10 to 5, preparing the
barbecue, I lit a cigarette (Winfield Blue), took one puff, and decided I was
bloody stupid to continue to smoke, crushed the cigarette out and haven’t had
another since. At about that time Coral suggested I ‘’give John a ring (Dr John
Donnelly, or Dr John Darcy as he was called on Channel 7 news, and a very good
friend of many years standing). I called, no answer. But next morning John rang
back from Townsville, ironically where he’d been engaged in giving lectures to
the elderly as part of National Stroke Week. ‘’Gallows! What’s happening?’’ I
gave him the story. ‘’You been to hospital, ’’No’’. ‘’Get dressed ready to go,
I’ll call you back.’’ Then began a series of telephone calls almost like a Mack
Sennett cartoon. ‘’Head for The San (North Shore private hospital).’’ Then a
minute later: ‘’change that head to Royal North Shore’’. Then: ‘’Make that
RPA.’’ With Coral driving as we approached the Cumberland Highway, John called
again: ‘’Go to Westmead. They’re waiting for you.’’ There I received the
treatment I needed and after nine days in the very excellent Stroke Ward,
discharged, with a referral to a leading neurologist. Rather than return to the
GP who refused to treat me, I transferred my file to Dr Dimitri, who proved
another firm woman when it came to ordering me about. She insisted I have a
blood test, which I resisted but she firmly insisted. The blood test result led
to Dr Dimitri insisting that I have an appointment with Professor David
Gottlieb, who subsequently diagnosis MDS, or myelodysplasia syndrome, a type of
blood cancer. Professor Gottlieb delivered the news to us at Blacktown Hospital,
offering the view that life expectancy was six months to two years without
treatment. The treatment is a course of chemotherapy with the drug Azacitidine,
at a cost of more than $100,000 a year. He also said my best chance would be to
get on to a clinical trial, which would be carried out at no cost. We agreed to
take part if the opportunity arose, which it did in 2010. The 12 month trial
consisted of seven days of Azacitidine injections every 28 days coupled with 28
daily doses of Lenalidomide delivered by tablet, and included several bone
marrow biopsies. At the completion of the trial the pharmaceutical company
offered to continue the medication at no charge, for which we have been forever
grateful. The Professor’s diagnosis also delivered me into the hands of the
Princes Mary Cancer Clinic at Westmead Hospital, and into the care of Nursing
Unit Manager (NUM) Adelia and her team of dedicated young nurses, mainly women
but some male nurses. Many of the nurses have been with me throughout my
treatment, Jodie (who managed the clinical trial), Debbie, Vesna, Heather,
Sandra, Theresa, Rena, Anna, Cathy, Eileen. Others have retired or moved on to
other hospitals and appointments. And those who came later such as Jessica,
Resma, Mel, Gracie, and those who will follow in their footsteps for some years
ahead. To say a simply ‘’thank you’’ to people such as Veronica Nou, Dr John
Darcy (Donnelly), Dr Marie Dimitri and Professor Gottlieb as well as all the
nurses at the clinic, seems so inadequate for the years of life I have received.
But never-the-less we do say ‘’Thank You’’ and ‘’God bless’’.
Terry Gallaway
I have been working in pharmacy for 17 years. During the COVID-19 pandemic
pharmacies have been on the front line providing people with essential
medications help and advice. Our pharmacists have been amazing in adapting to
major changes during these challenging times, and have provided so much help to
our community. People can just walk in and get professional advice without
making appointments. The pharmacist have been so under the pump yet continue to
show up with a smile and help for our customers. There have been many
medications that have been unavailable for long periods of time. Even basic
medications such as Panadol and Nurofen, antibiotics, diabetic medications just
to name a few. This has led to much anxiety to those customers who cannot get
their life saving medication, who then have to make more appointments to their
GP to try an alternative medication which may be available. There are MANY
medications out of stock currently, with over 400 medications on the list of
medications now in short supply. With the said changes, of providing two months
of medications to a customer may mean others miss out on their essential
medicines. We, of whom work in the pharmacy industry, are very concerned that
these changes by the government will only compound these problems, lead to
people stock piling medicines and creating further panic and anxiety within the
Australia.
Patsy
As a community pharmacist, I already see customers wanting to pick up 2-3 months
of Duodart, warfarin, Ozempic and Trulicity at one go to protect themselves from
the shortage. I constantly have to explain to them that I only have a few packs
of each and I need to ensure equity of distribution to other customers in the
community. This will only worsen if 60-day dispensing is implemented and our
supplies will be wiped out even faster than they are now. Not to mention the
various antibiotic suspensions that have been out of stock for a long time - the
fatigue is evident on the faces of parents who are just trying to get some
medication for their sick child and have been turned away from multiple
pharmacies.
Kai
I’ve been a serving member of the Victoria State Emergency Service for many
years and as a result I’ve been diagnosed with severe post traumatic stress
disorder. One of my medications that I use daily to help manage my condition has
been flagged in the medical shortages list. If I can’t get access to this I hate
to think what the result would be. After giving so much of my time to the
community this action by the labour government is a real big kick in the teeth.
MICHAEL
A customer, Anthony, came into my store back in 2014 at 7am, as he said he was
'feeling off'. I took his blood pressure which was very high, escorted him to
the medical centre next door for an ecg. The ecg showed st elevation indicating
that he was having a heart attack. An ambulance was called and when he got to
hospital the cardiologists performed an angiogram showing over 70% blockage of
his heart valve. They put a stent in and he was discharged few days later. He
walked into my store and thanked me, as he would not have been able to get into
his doctors in time. I was able to provide this service for FREE and had the
staff to be able to do this. If this 60 day dispensing comes in effect, I will
not be able to provide this service after hours, for free or may not be able to
do it at all if I cannot keep my staff. Mark Butler, rethink this, come back to
the table otherwise lives will be lost.
Sonia
We have nearly lost my Mum twice in the past 4 weeks. Both times ending in
ambulance trips to two different hospitals. We have had to phone pharmacies
across the state and interstate, as well as had family and friends across
Australia search out at their local pharmacies to see if they had her lifesaving
medication in stock, even if it is just one bottle (that only lasts for a
fortnight). Her medication stabilises her blood pressure from dropping to levels
where cardiac arrest can occur and like the early hours of Good Friday this year
where we were contacted by the hospital's ER department to come and say our
final goodbyes in case they couldn't stabilise her.
Naomi
I've worked in community pharmacy for over a decade and have had a few short
term shortages here and there but during covid and the after effects have
affected supply of some critical medications. The list of medications bring out
of stock longterm keeps getting longer; Panadol, Nurofen, antibiotics,
antidepressants, Ozempic, Trulicity, duodart, warfarin, and blood pressure
tablets. These have been in and out of stock long term and we get asked everyday
when these medications will be back. Say that to everyday multiple times a day
for over a year and it wears you down. They have not thought about pharmacies or
supply chains with this
Lauren
Been a pharmacist for almost ten years and I have never seen so many shortages
of medications ever in my career. Over the years we have seen shortages of
metformin, fluoxetine, sertraline, salbutamol (VENTOLIN), INSULIN, semaglutide,
duraglutide and most recently antibiotics particularly children's antibiotic
suspensions (just to name a few notable ones). 60 day dispensing will exacerbate
these shortages even further and it looks like every pharmacy will be spending
their days explaining why they cannot supply medications to their customers
every minute of the hour. The government initially proposed the idea of
purchasing two months worth of every medications before COVID lockdowns was
about to hit, but then backpedaled when they realised there was not going to be
enough stock. So what is the difference now? This a very poorly thought out
legislation with massive consequences for everyone!
Stephen
In my 30 years of pharmacy ownership I have never felt so flat or despondent. I
hate going in on a daily basis to see what lucky dip of an order I have coming
in. Instead of looking after patients, I spend endless hours scrolling through
supplier websites hoping my patients can get their medication the next day. They
said it "Won't be easy with Albanese"
Zoran
everyday in community pharmacy we have to tell our customers things such as
“sorry ozempic is out of stock” “we cant give you any duodart because there is a
shortage” the disappointment and frustration from our customers is something
that we have to deal with daily… all because of the shortage of medications
which is soon to be made worse
chantelle
we support you guys happy you to pass on to our member etc . I have had to
change medications several times due to unforeseen side effects. Finally on the
correct treatment for now , I hope . I fear it the anti depressants becoming
unavailable , seriously fear it. The withdrawl if I have to change is
unbearable. I'd rather die than go through that again !! In changing meds that
are unsuitable I have had waste of unusable , unreturnable medication someone
else could have had . If it was dispensed twice as long there will be alot of
unable unreturnable wasted meds in such circumstances. Seriously concerning. I
am on a pension and welcome cheaper medication but fear the shortages this will
add to the struggling system that is in place atm. Very very concerning Please
don't do this . support our pharmacist. I have had to change medications several
times due to unforeseen serious side effects. Finally on the correct treatment
for now , I hope . My fear if the anti depressants becoming unavailable ,
seriously fear it. The withdrawl if I have to change or unable to access any is
unbearable. I'd rather die than go through that again !! In changing meds that
are unsuitable I have had waste of unusable , unreturnable medication someone
else could have had . If it was dispensed twice as long there will be alot of
unable unreturnable wasted meds in such circumstances. Seriously concerning. I
am on a pension and welcome cheaper medication but fear the shortages this will
add to the struggling system that is in place atm. Very very concerning
Diane M
Panic buying has already started to seep in today at my pharmacy. This
governement is a joke, treating medications essential for life threatening
conditions like the toilet paper palaver we experienced during the pandemic
Jane
working as a frontline pharmacy assistant for months now we are being asked by
our customers where is my drug? where is my doubluts? where is my ozempic? where
is my antibiotics? many other drugs as well....the answer a shortage already my
answer so Albanese come and spend a day with me serving my customers and giving
them an answer like I do every day it's not easy and wears you down with
disappointment by the end of the day medication shortage is going to be the only
answer soon and what a disgrace for a country to be in like Australia!
gena
My wife needs medication on a daily basis I'm not willing to sacrifice her life
for the government.
Jason Jackway
Every single day I am struggling to fulfil prescription orders for patients due
to a medicines shortage that we've been dealing with since the start of COVID.
Things are about to get a whole lot worse due to this new labor government
budget measure.
Jordyn
I have experienced medication shortages, and I have several chronic health
conditions. I fail to see how the 60 day dispensing will actually improve the
shortage issue. Common sense tells us it's going to mean that our local
pharmacists won't be able to evenly distribute the medications based on local
need/demand. This scheme fails to see the value in what our local pharmacies do
for the community. Here on the central coast, we have a huge GP shortage - and
the pharmacies provide crucial healthcare like vaccinations and advice when we
simply can't get to a GP. So I'm concerned that local pharmacies might not be
able to provide the extended hours and services that our region desperately
needs. My pharmacy, the Woy Woy Pharmacy has served us so well pre, post and
during the pandemic. As a Labor voter I am disappointed to say the least.
Victoria
Lack of access to Ozempic, Endep and Nitrazepam will mean that I do not have the
resources needed to battle my illnesses bravely.
Ethan Paul Burfoot
I'm really concerned about this initiative and the downstream impacts that it
will have on local pharmacy businesses in my community. Our local Pharmacy, the
Woy Woy Pharmacy provides so much to the local area, especially during the
pandemic. This seems like a very short sighted initiative that is designed to
deliver a quick win for a government, disguised as a win for the consumer, when
actually it completely disregards the downstream impact to our local Pharmacy
and the flow on effects to serving the community and providing local jobs, let
alone the impact of 60 day dispensing when there are already shortages.
Alicia
Today l had to tell a patient that I could not supply their diltiazem due to
stock shortages from the manufacturer. She is leaving Australia tomorrow and has
no medication. In the same day I have had to tell a patient we cannot supply
their ozempic to treat their diabetes and another patient I could not supply her
with the prescribed antibiotics for her tonsillitis also due to stock shortages
from the manufacturers
Marianne
As a staff pharmacist (not an owner) of 30 years' experience, I can honestly say
that I have not seen medication shortages as bad as they are now. 60 day
dispensing will only worsen this. Additionally, the extra pharmacy services that
the government proposes require extra staff to implement, not fewer. This is not
the time to be attacking our wage budget.
Sam
Had to supply Spironolactone to a patient- only brand available had a $4 brand
price premium, so patient out of pocket more with just 1 drug shortage.
Brendan West
I have worked a total of 13 years in pharmacy, 2023 for me as a pharmacy
assistant has become increasingly stressful as I continuously have to let
patients know that their medication is not available, what would you the
government in my shoes tell them, cause i have run out of ideas, simple truth
its a shit show.
Michelle
Every time the Labour government gets into power, they attack Community
Pharmacy. It's getting ridiculous! The government has created excessive amounts
of extra work for Pharmacy all while finding ways to cut our payments. Who
want's to work for nothing? We are small businesses dealing with rising costs
imposed by governments. I invite any member of parliament to spend just one day
working in a pharmacy, just to be able to have a clue of what we do for our
community. Have they forgotten who supported the community during the pandemic?
Please leave Pharmacy alone. We have enough to do. Don't even get me started on
medicine shortages, high risk patients and wasted medication due to hoarding or
changes to medications by doctors.
Suzan Smith
I have had to find one of my most essential medications by calling pharmacies, I
ended up with the last of the supply at a hospital pharmacy. It’s a strong anti
convulsant. Without it I’m unable to do anything. Sound can set me off, so I
can’t answer my phone or the door buzzer because I will collapse and violently
convulse. Also because of my dosage I can’t stop taking this medication
abruptly. Why can’t I find my necessary medication?
Bronya
My daughter has a kidney condition and needs frequent antibiotics- these can
only be dispensed in a 10 day dose as she needs a liquid. Now we can’t get these
when we need them as others are getting them in bulk/other forms
Katie
i am a pharmacist of 12 years, and i have never seen so many out of stock
medications as we have now. it is quite frightening what will happen when we
have to double supply the rationed current supply. 60 day dispense may seem
convenient but poses a real threat to patient safety in you own homes. The risk
of unintended overdose is real. pt safety has not been considered here! pharmacy
has not been consulted here!!
sylvia
It’s hard to get stock as it is already… the 2 months dispensing will make
situations worse.
Monid
On behalf of myself, Silvana, I requested the pharmacist share my story of my
struggle to obtain Trulicity. The new policy will make it even harder. I have
had to take more insulin to compensate. I dont want more of this problem.
SILVANA ROSO
An apology To the patient who had to pay more for their blood pressure
medication because caduet is the only brand I can access and it has a surcharge
- I'm sorry To the patient who had to get his Ezetimibe and Rosuvastatin in
seperate boxes sticky taped together because the combination product is out of
stock- I'm sorry. To the 20 patients we have on our Ozempic wait list
desperately trying to access supply of the medication to manage their diabetes -
I am sorry To the handful of patients who have received an Ozempic but can't get
stable supply to control their diabetes - I am sorry. To the 3 gentleman
yesterday who had to pay more yesterday to get their prostate mediation because
we can only get duodart and it has a brand price premium- I'm sorry. But most of
all to the staff who everyday work their bums off to try an source medications
from different suppliers and even other pharmacies - I'm sorry for all the extra
stress. You do an incredible job each and everyday, now and throughout the
pandemic - you showed up, smiled and got on with it. Thank you and keep up the
great work. From your stressed pharmacist
Ali
Hi.i have had issues with my medical supplies in the past.one was out fo stock
and had to go down to a lower dose witch ment instead of 3 ×50mg to 6 ×25mg.quit
disturbing to take that many pills at once.hope I never have to go through that
again.hope this helps.have a great one. Thsnks
Gregory Yarrow
It truly baffles me how they thought this was a good idea. Not only will it make
medication shortages much worse, but it is directly undercutting community
pharmacies, forcing them to charge more for services they used to provide for
free. This can only negatively impact the community.
Sam
There will no longer be any continuation of care between the GP and pharmacy as
this relationship will forever be strained if this proceeds. I feel for the
elderly who will now be subject to other additional charges for FREE services
that the pharmacy were previously offering at no cost. It is a shame that the
community suffers as pharmacy is the ONLY healthcare team that offers FREE
advice without the added barrier of organising a time for a consultation. Good
luck attracting high quality talent into the sector at a University level. The
safety of the Australian public is at risk. I commend consumer Australia for
highlighting the cost of a GP consultation as a barrier parralel with the cost
of medication. Why is nothing being done to help patients with this cost?
Stef
In Mark Butlers address yesterday morning he stated that all the money being
ripped out of dispensing fees in pharmacy would be re-invested into pharmacy
services. So as a pharmacist I won’t be able to focus on my main job of
dispensing your medication safely, I will be running around trying to deliver
all these extra services to re-coup my existing level of funding so I can pay
all my overheads and loans. This is not extra funding for pharmacy services,
it’s moving money around and making us provide services for a fraction of the
price I doctor would, taking away from time we spend dispensing medication
safely. Expect longer wait time for scripts to be filled, because I will have to
be vaccinating and doing a Medscheck all at one time. That is a patient safety
concern. I won’t be able to employ an extra pharmacist to help with these extra
services as there is no extra funding and not enough pharmacists in the country
anyway. Also the "re-invested" funding was only the savings to government, not
the savings to customers. Pharmacies can not handle these cuts without seriously
affecting the way we operate. Mark Butler is understating the risk of medication
shortages.
Rowen Turnbull
In some occasions I was not able to receive my medication. My husband is 85
years he is on more medication than myself and missed In taking couple of his
vital regular medication because they were not available. My concern is about
the jobs that will be lost because of the reduction in staff at any pharmacy who
might turn to center link offices for government to pay them for their living.
Magda Malik
Magda Malik
My husband and mother in law are both on blood pressure tablets and my husband
is also on other tablets to help for his condition and with the shortage of
products are going to put more pressure on his condition and if my husband and
mother in law cannot access their blood pressure tablets they are both of high
risk of having a stroke or heat attack!
Sue Raven
My cholesterol medication is not available. My pharmacist was obliged to give me
two medications to replace the one that is unavailable. This is an unnecessary
expense. The government needs to get on top of the supply issue and deal with
the pharmaceutical companies - not punish pharmacists for supply shortages that
are out of their control.
Brucee
I often experience medication shortage and have to wait for it to be restocked.
I cannot access anymore than one month supply due to regulations and prescribing
restrictions so at times it can be very stressful as without medication I will
be required to be hospitalized
Ruth
I'm already going without one of my medications, I'm worried that I might not be
able to get my other meds that I've been on for 30 years, I just see the 60 day
prescriptions making this situation a whole lot worse.
Tracy
Cant get my husbands Duodart and now he misses out, what happens if I can’t get
the 60 days of meds
Anbamaria
Twice this year I've ended up in emergency because there was no suitable
alternative medication for an infection for my UTI and then recently because I
couldn't source Cefaclor for my baby's ear infection. I don't want to further
burden our health system, but it's so broken I don't know what to do
Janice
I am worried that people in my family who depend on their medicines to survive
will not be able to get their medication and be hospitalised or even worse die
as a result.
Stefanie
It is very frightening when we can not access medicines. And it has been going
on for far too long. We do need faster remedies.
Christine
My mum is having this trouble with one of her medications. We have tried
everywhere. She has changed to a less effective medication which has some awful
side effects which are stressful for the whole family.
Ness
I am on blood pressure medication for serious blood pressure issues. I tried to
get a new type - the most common type and it is out of stock in every size. Has
been out of stock since Sept last year
Rach
I’m a pharmacy assistant ( ex RN) and it baffles me how many meds are in short
supply … even basic OTC like Panadol, Betadine, decongestant nasal spray etc let
alone the important ones that affect people’s medical conditions!
Vanessa
PATIENT VIDEOS
Hear what others are saying and watch the impact of 60-day dispensing as members
of the community share their stories with us.
Watch now
FAQ’S
WHEN WILL 60-DAY DISPENSING BE IMPLEMENTED?
It is anticipated that 60-day dispensing will be implemented from 1 September
2023, unless the Government reconsiders and proposes another option.
HOW DO I FIND WHETHER MY PHARMACY WILL BE AFFECTED?
The easiest way to find out whether your pharmacy will be impacted by 60-day
dispensing is to call or head into your local pharmacy and speak with your
pharmacist.
HOW WILL PHARMACY OPENING HOURS BE IMPACTED?
The changes will lead to community pharmacies closing their doors on average
1.5-2.5 hours earlier each day.
WHY IS THE GOVERNMENT CUTTING A FUNDAMENTAL, WORKING PART OF AUSTRALIA’S
OVERBURDENED HEALTH SYSTEM?
It is a short-sighted measure made without fully understanding and addressing
the long-term ramifications. Help the government understand the impact by
sharing your story.
WILL AGED CARE FACILITIES BE IMPACTED BY THESE CHANGES?
Yes. Most aged care facilities use their local pharmacy to dispense scripts for
their residents. That arrangement is usually subsidised by the pharmacy itself,
and ongoing medicine shortages will impact most pharmacies and cut their supply
to aged care.
WHY DO COMMUNITY PHARMACIES FEEL SO STRONGLY ABOUT THIS ISSUE?
Community pharmacies proudly serve the community and always strive for the best
outcome for our patients, but 60-day dispensing means 665 pharmacies are at risk
of closure, and 20,818 jobs at risk. This is not scaremongering, it is a
heartbreaking reality.
We’ve performed 10 million covid vaccinations, we’re proud of providing cheaper
medicines and will continue to advocate for $19 payments, but we are concerned
for communities that will end up without a local pharmacy, particularly in rural
Australia.
60-day dispensing impacts our most vulnerable—the elderly, aged care residents,
children, and those in regional areas—who rely heavily on their local community
pharmacies, and they stand to suffer the most.
COMMUNITY VOICES
"My pharmacy is so important to me and my family and the community. These people
go above and beyond what’s required of them. They have supported me through my
serious health battles, always there for me. Please stop this madness, save our
pharmacies, don’t let this happen in Australia."
Maryanne - NSW
“I am a 22 year old, chronically ill, disabled individual who needs proper
access to (my local pharmacy) and my medications. I am very scared for my
future.”
Dakoda - NT
“Living in a small regional area, our local pharmacy is vital to the community
it serves… Some residents rely on these potentially life saving services,
especially if they can no longer drive greater distances to other pharmacies (or
GPs).”
Arthur - QLD
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References: Henry Ergas AO, 2023, 60-Day Dispensing: An Analysis of Likely
Impacts and Key Policy Issues
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The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 15 National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600