Pharmacists feel forgotten in COVID

DESPITE ensuring continued access to vital medications throughout the COVID-19 crisis, pharmacists feel they have been forgotten by State, Territory and Federal Governments, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) believes.

In a submission to the Senate Select Committee on the Government’s response to COVID-19, the PSA said pharmacists were “neglected by legislators” as they faced serious challenges.

PSA National President, Dr Chris Freeman, noted pharmacies and pharmacy employees had made a significant contribution to supporting the community throughout the pandemic.

“Pharmacists and their staff feel forgotten by State and Federal Governments during this pandemic,” he said.

“Community pharmacists remained open throughout the entire pandemic to deliver health care and meet the needs of patients, carers and the public.

“It is disappointing that pharmacists were not always fully consulted when policy and implementation decisions were being made, including those affecting the pharmacy profession.

“There were even cases when the law had to be circumvented in order to provide the care expected by patients due to disparities between State and Federal legislation.

“It is necessary to raise concerns and provide recommendations to ensure the Government is prepared for a potential second wave of COVID-19 as well as future public health emergencies.”

The submission included 17 recommendations including the introduction of legislation to protect pharmacy staff and other healthcare providers from physical violence and verbal abuse, which many have been subjected to in recent months.

The PSA called for a review of the current Serious Shortage Medicine Substitution Notice with a view to allowing pharmacists to supply an alternative medicine in response to supply issues.

The Society also advised the committee to ensure provisions be put in place to cease the issuing of prescriptions with directions to dispense multiple repeats at the one time, and for the Australian Government to provide adequate and ongoing quantities of personal protective equipment for use by pharmacists and pharmacy staff, “recognising their critical public health role”.

CLICK HERE to access the full submission.