‘We’re a caring profession, it’s what we do.’
Pharmacist and proprietor Ian Shanks shares his passion for improving the health of women and children through the Fullife Foundation Ian Shanks jokes that he’s only ever had two jobs …
New biosimilars listed on the PBS
Here’s what you need to know While there are not many biosimilars available yet in Australia, several have been added to the ARTG and PBS this year. Biosimilar medicines are …
Entering the digital era
With national e-prescribing on the horizon, is pharmacy ready for the next big wave of technological change? Sydney pharmacy proprietor Nick Logan met a pharmacist from Sweden at a social …
‘Fatigued, isolated and helpless.’
A pharmacist has been reprimanded after supplying herself with prescription medications while on duty, altering pharmacy records and making several dispensing errors In late 2015 the pharmacist returned from maternity …
New legislation to better detect PBS fraud
A bill is being considered to give the government more powers to investigate PBS and MBS fraud, including claims for medicines that have not been supplied Health Minister Greg Hunt …
Stronger safeguards for risperidone prescribing
Streamlined authority codes for risperidone will change from 1 January 2020, in line with PM’s response to Aged Care Royal Commission’s Interim Report Commencing 1 January 2020, the PBS listings …
Is it safe to seek help?
With changes to mandatory notifications to take effect soon, we look at case studies of what constitutes impairment as AHPRA encourages registered practitioners to seek help for their own health …
‘Unviable’ situation leaves town with no pharmacy
A pharmacy closure in Mount Magnet, WA, due to workforce issues and lack of support from the local medical surgery has led to renewed calls for a rural pharmacy viability …
‘The intent of the complaint is to cause harm or distress.’
What is a vexatious complaint, who makes them and what should pharmacists do if they’re on the receiving end? Notifications against health practitioners including pharmacists are rising, and some of …
10 things to know about Australian veterans and medicines
Over one million medications were dispensed to around 70,000 contemporary ex-serving defence force members in 2017–18 The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has released its latest statistics on …
Medicines relatively affordable, price index reveals
New figures show medicines in Australia are cheap in comparison to other countries US medicines are 307% more expensive than the median global cost but Australian medicines are 25% cheaper, …
‘This is critical, we can save lives.’
Take home naloxone pilot will kick off on 1 December across community pharmacies in three states The take home naloxone pilot will make naloxone available free and without prescription to …