SIGMA Pharmaceuticals says it's concerned that the ongoing evolution of the pharmacy sector in Australia has meant "funding for the care side of pharmacy has been compromised".
In the company's submission to the Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation, Sigma said "the ability to deliver the National Medicines Policy continues to be eroded by policy changes that cherry pick specific elements, resulting in unintended consequences elsewhere in the system".
Sigma warned that this will inevitably lead to "irreparable changes...that are not sustainable longer term".
As well as addressing specific questions raised by the review, Sigma has provided overarching comments including urging public clarification of the application of pharmacy ownership rules.
The company has also raised the issue of integration of hospital activities and community pharmacy service models, citing the current 'silo approach' which stops the PBS and Medicare from interacting to fund the patient journey.
"Sigma supports the development of pharmacy arrangements that enable an integrated patient experience for medication management, driving improved patient health outcomes," the submission said, adding the govt's Health Care Homes initiative should be expanded to a "patient centric model that utilises not only the primary care provider but also the pharmacy network".
The full submission is available at www.health.gov.au.
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