THE decision by the Federal Govt to allow the dispensing of two months’ worth of prescriptions when you visit a chemist was a commonsense initiative that I applauded along with many others.
Having been prescribed a need for regular medication some years ago it meant that each month I had to go to a chemist, like it or not.
Every time I asked if I could get more than just a month’s worth of tablets I was questioned and unless I was going on an international holiday I didn’t get very far.
It was a case of like it or lump it.
While the vast majority believe 60 day dispensing is a good idea, the Pharmacy Guild, which represents all the chemist owners, has quickly gone into battle mode to try and get it overturned.
They are spending millions on the fight because they know that having many shops just once every two months instead of every month will hit their bottom-line.
Passing trade is the be all and end all for every outlet, whether it’s a hairdressing salon or a butcher shop.
When you know that people are guaranteed to come back into your premises and not just walk past, it becomes part of your business model.
The old chemist shop from years ago which looked more like a hospital has now been replaced with sophisticated in-store marketing, bright signage offering must buy specials, large neon signs and mountains of new products.
As part of the Pharmacy Guild’s campaign, they shouted that the new 60 day dispensing policy would not only cost 20,000 jobs, but it would also see a shortage of medication and Australia’s most vulnerable patients would suffer.
Even here in Ipswich local MPs were called into meetings with district chemist owners so they could state their case.
The Guild’s media campaign has been swallowed up by mainstream media and was broadcast as gospel.
One group that hasn’t taken the bait is our local GP’s.
Through their website, News GP, they have called out the Pharmacy Guild and accused them of mounting a “scare campaign”.
Now it remains to be seen if the all-mighty business dollar can get the Federal Government to do a backflip.
Business versus the ordinary man usually goes the way of those with the money, let’s hope in this case it doesn’t.
NOTE: The new 60-day dispensing rules come into force on September 1, for 325 PBS eligible medicines.
