World news wrapup: 27 March 2025
New e-script only change premature; Irish service promoted without pharmacist agreement; US pharmacist arrested over alleged in-store assault Bulgaria: Pharmacists are calling for an extension of the existing hybrid prescription …
Major supermarket cutting pharmacy margins: ACCC
The competition watchdog has shared insights into the major supermarkets’ approach to marking-up products, with one giant slicing pharmacy margins The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) last week released …
Automate the PBS safety net: consumer group
Nearly half a million eligible Australians are missing out on cheaper medicines due to an “outdated” manual tracking system that should be automated, one stakeholder says The Consumers Health Forum …
Government wants franchising code enforced
Budget boosts ACCC funding to strengthen enforcement of the Franchising Code of Conduct Labor will invest $12 million over the next four years to “support and protect small businesses”, the …
Pharmacy welcomes health-focused budget
Budget measures aimed at improving access to primary care and cheaper medicines are being lauded, but pharmacy workforce issues persist Confirmation that the maximum Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) co-payment will …
Budget delivers on cheaper medicine pledge
Treasurer announces increased funding for RUM and Take Home Naloxone programs alongside push for “even cheaper medicines” in pre-election budget The Commonwealth will provide $784.6 million over the next four …
‘A truly unforgettable week’
Attendees shared their highlights, strengths and party pics at APP conference Pharmacy Guild NSW branch committee member and pharmacy owner Catherine Bronger shared her highlights of the event. Capital Chemist …
‘A very caring pharmacist’
Former PSA South Australian branch president and national councillor Heather Pym has passed away Heather Pym, a longtime consultant pharmacist with “a passion for QUM”, passed away on 14 March …
‘We are our own biggest barrier’: Twomey
Self-doubt is holding pharmacists back from embracing full scope of practice, one of Australia’s first prescribing pharmacists says Pharmacists working to their full scope of practice will be “transformational” for …
Co-pay cut to reduce stress: patient
Government’s plan to lower the maximum PBS general co-payment to $25 will reduce stress, patient says Labor’s move to reduce the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) general co-payment to $25 from …
Sector-wide consultation on pharmacy programs set for April
Pharmacy stakeholders will discuss a range of programs funded outside the 8CPA during a roundtable consultation next month The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is set to host a roundtable …
Tobacco control to tighten
One state cracks down on the vape trade, while another sees a seizure of illicit nicotine products – as well as alleged illicit sildenafil South Australia’s Malinauskas Labor government has …