Pharmacy Daily | SA issues regional dispensing order

EMERGENCY dispensing provisions announced by the South Australian Government yesterday (PD breaking news) will only apply to patients affected by the Kangaroo Island bushfires, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia reveals.

The emergency provisions, which followed similar orders by the governments of NSW, Victoria and the ACT, will allow pharmacists to dispense Schedule 4 medications to patients from the bushfire ravaged island without a prescription, where they are satisfied there is a need to access the medicines and that it would not be practical for the patient to obtain a prescription.

Pharmacists will also be able to dispense medications listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) with the usual subsidy to patients impacted by the Kangaroo Island fires without a prescription (PD 13 Jan).

However, the South Australia Government's emergency dispensing orders will not apply to patients affected by the fires in the Adelaide Hills and blazes in Monbulla near the Victorian border.

Welcoming the order, Guild South Australian Branch President, Nick Panayiaris, said the authority to dispense full quantities should replace the three-day rule enshrined in the standard emergency dispensing protocols.

"This is a sensible measure during this very distressing time for patients impacted by the bushfire disaster on Kangaroo Island to help ensure they continue to have access to medicines; and recognises the expertise of pharmacists in determining where an emergency supply is appropriate," he said.

"This is a great step towards permanently expanding and streamlining the capacity of pharmacists to assist patients with their prescription medicines during and after natural disasters."

Kangaroo Island-based pharmacist, Patrick Tiong, who assisted locals and tourists with their medication needs throughout the crisis, said the three-day dispensing rule had limited his ability to help patients.

"Last week when we supported people who had lost their homes, the evacuees as well as tourists and volunteers, the current regulations were far less flexible and it limited our ability to help those affected people," he said.

"I hope this change will help South Australians who need to continue taking their vital medicines when disaster strikes."

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National President, Dr Chris Freeman, said there was a need for state and territory governments to review emergency provisions when the crisis subsides.

"We are keen to work collaboratively with all governments to permanently incorporate these more effective and affordable emergency supply provisions into our health system for future disasters," he said.