States and Territories need RTPM now

RISING numbers of opioid-related deaths highlight the need for state and territory governments to introduce real-time prescription monitoring (RTPM), Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone believes.

Responding to a tweet posted by Victorian Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos, hailing the success of the state’s $29.5 million investment in SafeScript, which will become mandatory in Apr this year, Tassone urged other Australian governments to implement similar systems.

“We are overdue for action on real-time prescription monitoring for the sake of patient safety,” Tassone said.

“The Victorian Labor Government has shown leadership with the introduction of SafeScript that has already seen a reduction in the proportion of patients taking higher risk doses of opioids by 25% in the first six months of its state wide roll out.

“Once it becomes mandatory in Apr, we can expect further benefits for patient safety with more doctors and pharmacists making more informed decisions about prescribing and dispensing.

“It’s time for other State and territory governments, particularly the NSW Government, to step up and introduce a real-time prescription monitoring system for the benefit of patient safety.”

Alongside Victoria, the ACT and Tasmania have implemented RTPM systems, however, their use has yet to be mandated.

In Sep, Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Steven Miles, announced a RTPM system will be introduced in the state in the second half of this year (PD 19 Sep 2019).

A spokesperson for NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazard, confirmed work was underway in the state to develop a RTPM system (PD 19 Jul 2019).

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia South Australia and Northern Territory Branch President, Robyn Johns, has previously raised concerns over delays in implementing a RTPM system in SA, noting funding had been allocated in the state’s 2018/19 Budget.