A recent attempt to block the 60-day dispensing policy was voted down, meaning the plan to save patients $1.6 billlion over four years will begin from 1 September. Local pharmacies, however, say savings on scripts will only lead to losses at the checkout.
Under the new dispensing policy, patients of certain medications will be able to buy two months worth of their medicine, saving them money on doctor consultations, and reducing demand on GPs.
Bourke pharmacist John Rago said that alongside the changes, customers can expect to see higher prices for over-the-counter products and to be charged for previously free services.
“The $36 they save for a script will just increase what they pay for a Panadol or tissues,” Mr Rago said. “A simple blood pressure or diabetic check up will be put up to $5 or so. All the services that we do for free will be done at an extra charge.”…