News
Double dispensing ‘win-win,’ say docs
The idea of double dispensing has been raised again, with one group calling on the Health Minister to extend scripts to two months The Australian Medical Association has said in …
$100k-plus hit for independents emulating discounters
The free scripts offered by discounters have seen 70 pharmacies close across New Zealand in four years – but free scripts could also have health benefits, argue researchers The Pharmacy …
Indigenous pharmacists join APC leadership
Changes to the Australian Pharmacy Council’s (APC’s) constitution will ensure Indigenous voices play a significant role in the organisation’s leadership Constitutional amendments, which were passed at the APC’s annual general …
Innovation needed in weight-loss medications
Shortages of diabetes medication, Ozempic (semaglutide), fueled by off-label prescribing of it as a weight-loss treatment, highlight the need for new drugs to tackle obesity. With supplier, Novo Nordisk …
Pharmacist soon to be paroled after arson
A community pharmacist, who publicly worked to combat domestic violence, has been sentenced after he choked his wife and set their home ablaze Mainstream media have reported on the case …
Ozempic shortages behind diabetes patients’ funeral fundraiser
Ongoing global shortages of diabetes medication, Ozempic (semaglutide), due to off-label prescribing has prompted one patient to start a GoFundMe campaign for his funeral. Diabetes patient, Stephen Callaghan, is …
The week in review
The debate about scope of practice continued this week, plus decisions on Covid boosters and several medications Scope of practice is still top of mind, with Pharmacy Guild of Australia …
Box cutter robbery a ‘cry for help’
Crime roundup: A man has been sentenced over his robbery of a Chemist Warehouse with a box cutter, while another’s spelling error tipped pharmacists off to his fake script Newcastle, …
The top ten
Industrial disputes and disruptors capture pharmacists interests in recent weeks Industrial relations, new patient offerings and regulatory issues topped our readers interest list over recent weeks. These were the ten …
Concerns raised over “unpaid” student placements
Clinical placements are putting students in some healthcare programs under financial pressure an academic believes. Charles Darwin University Head of Social Work, Associate Professor Lisa Hodge, told a field education …
PBS designed for a bygone era
Medicare reform must not come at the expense of improving other areas of Australia’s health system, including the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), Trent Zimmerman, warns. Writing in The Guardian former …
Put safety ahead of convenience
Patients are being urged to eschew the convenience of online prescribing services in favour of a “proper consult”. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Victorian Chair, Dr Anita …