Pharmacy Daily | Vic Govt extends continued dispensing

THE Victorian Govt has expanded continued dispensing measures in response to widespread flooding in the state's central region.

Introduction of the Public Health Emergency Order 25 yesterday aligns with the Commonwealth Govt's National Health (Continued Dispensing) Determination made in Dec 2023, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) stated.

It said it expands access to more than 750 PBS-listed molecules for people in emergencies who cannot access their prescription or get in touch with their regular prescriber

The Order is set to expire in Feb.

PSA Victoria branch President Dr Amy Page welcomed the Emergency Order, saying that it allowed pharmacists to continue supporting patients' health.

"Continued dispensing plays a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of care for patients, particularly in natural disasters where people can be separated from their regular medicines.

"We know that this is only becoming more common with the effects of climate change."

She added that the temporary expansion of continued dispensing is vital in ensuring access to essential medications without unnecessary delays or interruptions during the current floods.

However, making continued dispensing arrangements permanent for all medicines, for example, would allow pharmacists to take a proactive role in the post-disaster health of their communities, urged Page.

"We cannot wait for natural disasters to happen before we put measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities," said Page.

PSA National President Dr Fei Sim (pictured) also again urged the Federal Govt to work with state and territory govts to permanently protect emergency access to meds.

"Regulations should be in place to support the safe and effective use of medicines, not hinder access to them," Sim said.

"Our nation's fragmented approach is affecting the care we can provide patients, preventing continued access to essential medicines and disrupting care when people are already vulnerable to further illness.

"The PSA firmly believes that all PBS General Schedule medicines should be permanently included in continued dispensing arrangements to avoid delays in emergency situations," Sim concluded. JG