Pharmacists share anti-government ads attacking Albanese government’s 60-day drug script policy

Pharmacists are printing anti-government ads as they lash out at a new drug policy that will dramatically cut the cost of drugs.

Health Secretary Mark Butler announced plans last Wednesday to introduce a 60-day drug script policy that would allow patients to buy double their stock of some prescription drugs from January.

The plan was recommended by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee and approved by physician groups and the Consumer Health Forum (CHF).

325 drugs will be delivered in 60-day doses instead of the current 30 days, effectively halving drug costs and saving patients $180 a year.

The policy has been criticized by the Pharmacy Guild, which warned it could put pharmacies out of business or cause staff to lose their jobs because it cuts pharmacists’ earnings.

Pharmacists have printed anti-government advertisements on patients’ prescription forms and placed leaflets in packages protesting the policy.

The ad features the words “UNDER THREAT, UNDER THREAT” in bold over a photo of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Underneath the image it says: ‘ALP budget lowers the risk of drug shortages and the viability of pharmacies’.

Included among the material is a URL that takes patients to a website full of anti-government messages and a petition to oppose the policy.

The CHF has criticized the response of the pharmacists’ guild and some pharmacists to the printing of anti-government advertisements.

CHF CEO Dr. Elizabeth Deveny said the reports were “worrying” and urged the Pharmacy Guild to “rethink their efforts.”

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen the Pharmacy Guild, which represents pharmacy owners, cause unnecessary alarm and concern to consumers, but this is a step too far,” she said.

“We’ve never seen this happen on scripts before and it’s certainly not in the best interest of patients.”

Dr. Deveny reiterated CHF’s support for the policy, saying it will help patients make it difficult.

“This is a really good move that shows the government is listening to consumer voices,” she said.

“Every dollar saved at the pharmacy is money that could be spent on groceries or rent.”

Health Secretary Mark Butler (pictured) announced Wednesday that patients will be able to buy double their stock of some prescription drugs from January

Australian Pharmacy Guild president Trent Twomey, who has previously been criticized for his views on Covid-19, has been an outspoken critic of the plan after it was announced last week.

He called on rash government MPs last week to ‘get off your ass and talk to pharmacists’ at Parliament House in Canberra.

Mr Twomey said pharmacists will lose money from out-of-pocket patient reimbursements, which the Pharmacy Guild estimates at $2.3 billion over four years, compared to the government’s figure of $1.6 billion.

“They don’t pay that back,” he said. “The pharmacist carries the entire remainder of the cut.

“And that’s what will send these guys to the wall. And (Mr. Butler) just doesn’t seem to care.”

He added that chemists would have to cut staff, cut hours and cut shifts because they would lose $170,000 each year from the change.

Former Deputy Chief Health Officer Dr. Nick Coatsworth told Daily Mail Australia the changes would undoubtedly lead to savings for Aussies, but warned there could be consequences.

“The main benefit of these changes would be that, in the longer term, patients on medications would reduce the number of visits to their pharmacy and subsequently also save on pharmacy costs.

“However, we are concerned about the implementation of this policy and the details are important.”

Australian Pharmacy Guild president Trent Twomey (pictured) swallowed tears as he issued a foul-mouthed spray at the government for its new drug scripting policy

The policy will provide 325 drugs in 60-day doses instead of the current 30-day, effectively halving drug costs and saving patients $180 a year (stock image)

He explained that the change does not address three main concerns for Australians when it comes to health care.

“Does this improve access to primary care in any way? And the answer is no. It does not increase the number of consultations, in fact it decreases them.

‘People with chronic conditions are effectively seen less often with this policy because you can get 12 months’ supply instead of six months’ supply of medicines.

The second point is affordability. The change can save you $160 per year. This helps, but it really won’t change much if grocery bills go up by $50 a week.

“The improved affordability is welcome, but very small. I hope the minister has more budget to make health care more affordable for people who use medicines for a long time.’