THIS morning, the Heads of Agreement for the Eighth Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) was signed with the Commonwealth Government, confirmed National Guild President Trent Twomey (pictured) at the opening session of APP2024 (PD breaking news).
The announcement brought palpable relief about the profession's funding package to everyone present.
Twomey revealed to Pharmacy Daily, "we are so close to signing and are very hopeful of getting an 8CPA", adding that the negotiating team at the Guild have worked very hard to deliver not just to their members but all pharmacists and the wider community.
The measures contained in the Heads of Agreement remain to be finalised by the parties and it is hoped an agreement will be reached for the 8CPA to commence from 01 Jul 2024.
"We have more meetings with the Department scheduled for next week, but the Heads of Agreement is a significant step forward," Twomey told attendees at the opening session of the conference.
"It provides the core for a successful execution of the 8CPA.
"Once the details are settled, the Guild will be travelling around the country via our State of the Industry Roadshows," he added.
"The Guild will explain to our members and the industry what is included in the agreement, the benefits for patients and the bright future ahead for community pharmacy."
Twomey acknowledged the success of the 'Save Your Local Pharmacy' campaign, and the 200,000-plus signatures acquired by pharmacists from their patients, which played its part in the Guild and the Government negotiations for a new 8CPA.
Meanwhile, Twomey added it is no secret that the Guild "loathes" the annual CPI index on prescription medication.
"It is a hidden tax increase that stings patients every year.
"A tax on healthcare.
"It just makes sense for the Government to reduce the cost of prescription medicine in a cost-of-living crisis.
"It's good for patients and it's good policy, and good politics.
"The conversations around your dispensaries should be clinical, focusing on health outcomes, rather than what medication a patient can't afford this month," Twomey concluded. JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 14 Mar 24
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 14 Mar 24
