NSW Pharmacy Guild president, and owner of MediAdvice Pharmacy at Terrigal, Paul Sinclair
Terrigal pharmacist and NSW Pharmacy Guild president, Mr Paul Sinclair has welcomed the Federal Government’s reform of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“This will mean a significant investment in patient health outcomes delivered by community pharmacists via the most accessible primary health network,” Mr Sinclair said.
“The change in formula for remuneration will provide stability, and it’s great to see an increase in professional program funding in the latter half of the agreement,” he said.
Federal member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks said the government has doubled the number of new monthly drug listings for consumers which she said was a significant investment of almost $3 billion in just over 18 months.
“The government is now delivering an average of about 30 new and amended drug listings for patients each month compared to an average of just eight under Labor.”
According to Ms Wicks, the government listed $1.3 billion in the 2015-16 budget for new life-saving drug listings and is currently considering almost $2.5 billion worth of new drugs for listing.
“The Central Coast will benefit from cheaper medicines, a more competitive pharmacy sector and greater investment in new medicines and patient support services as part of the package of pharmaceutical reforms.
“A number of representatives from local pharmacists joined me at a round-table discussion and were able to discuss the proposals directly with the Minister for Health, Sussan Ley.
“Overall, there were several months of constructive consultations and robust negotiations across the entire pharmaceutical supply chain, including consumers, pharmacists, medicines manufacturers, wholesalers and doctors.”
Media release,
28 May 2015
Tim Sowden, office of
Lucy Wicks MP