ACT Government extend emergency dispensing for pharmacists
The ACT Government has today made an announcement to extend the special authority for emergency supply of medicines without a prescription in a move that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Patients will be able to receive a maximum PBS quantity or pack size, usually a months’ supply, until at least June 30 2020 without a prescription, where the pharmacist is satisfied there is immediate need.
The medicine must have been previously prescribed and be for the continuation of current essential treatment.
PSA ACT President Renae Beardmore congratulated the ACT Government for extending the emergency supply rules.
“PSA fully supports and thanks the ACT Government for this very sensible approach which will ensure patients in the ACT have continued access to essential medicines during the COVID-19 pandemic” she said.
“General Practitioners across the ACT are under extreme pressure and this measure provides certainty to patients who are unable to access their usual prescriber due to COVID-19.”
“As the peak national body for pharmacists, PSA has called for and worked with the ACT Government to allow the continuation of emergency dispensing that was put in place during the recent bushfire crisis to be extended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
This will ensure patients and members of the community continue to gain access to much needed medicines.”
PSA will continue to work closely with ACT Health to support pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources can be found through the PSA COVID-19 web page: www-dev/coronavirus
PSA contact: Angela Drayton: ACT PSA Territory Manager: 0419 241 344
