Guild Victorian branch president Anthony Tassone speaks to AJP Podcast host Carlene McMaugh about the latest developments in 60-day dispensing – including the announcement of the first tranche of medicines to be affected by the policy.

“It’s extraordinary that the Federal Government would register the first 92 medicines in the tranche that commences from September the first without actually notifying the wholesalers first,” Tassone says.

Tassone discusses the recent Ergas report on the impact of 60-day dispensing on the community pharmacy sector – and the wider community – which he describes as a “real wakeup call” for the Government if the policy proceeds as announced, without further consultation and review.

He takes a look at the purported reinvestment into community pharmacy, calling it a “furphy” and taking a particular focus on opioid dependence therapy, which he says will have potentially “horrific” consequences for patients.

And what about an early 8CPA? Tassone says a new funding agreement is needed – including whether an 8CPA could be brought forward to coincide with the beginning of 60-day dispensing.

“There’s still the opportunity for the Labor Government to abide by their previous undertakings to the Guild and the community pharmacy profession,” he tells McMaugh, noting previous Labor commitments to working with the Guild on reducing the price of medicines to patients without impacting the viability of the sector.

“They still have the opportunity to do that, but it has to come with a new funding agreement.”

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