Mark Butler
Script signature requirements will not return
Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) signature requirements will not return, Mark Butler, the federal Minister for Health and Aged Care says Special arrangements authorising pharmacists to sign Prescription Refund Forms on …
Double dispensing will cost jobs
Calls for the introduction of 60-day dispensing “would be a disaster for community pharmacy”, readers of the AJP warn With double dispensing back on the government’s agenda in the lead-up …
Butler considering 60-day dispensing
Increasing dispensing limits from 30 to 60 days’ supply of medication through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is back on the agenda Ahead of the federal Budget in May, Mark …
PBS co-payment cut delivering savings: Butler
Patients have saved more than $18 million on Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) listed medicines since the general co-payment was cut from $42.50 to $30 on 1 January Federal Minister for …
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 …
PSA repeats call for MBS payments as Medicare reform looms
Plea for more pharmacist involvement comes as RACGP demands GPs be front and centre in any reform As the Federal Government signals the start of significant changes to Medicare the …
Minister: ‘It just doesn’t make sense’
Health Minister supports scope of practice expansion, thanks Guild for its co-payment cut initiative but calls for restraint over further reductions Federal Health Minister Mark Butler has lauded the work …
A historic moment
Medicine costs set to fall after co-pay reduction bill passes Parliament, with pharmacists praised for their support for struggling patients Federal Parliament has already passed into law legislation to reduce …
Call to reinstate diabetes drug to PBS
Former Health Minister points to biosimilar drugs in response to petition over PBS listing of diabetes medication Former Minister for Health and Aged Care Greg Hunt’s response to a petition …
Cost of medicines in the spotlight
Pharmacist speaks up on need for affordable medicines as Parliament debates co-pay bill The federal government has tabled its National Health Amendment (General Co-payment) Bill 2022, bringing what it says …
Australia ‘not yet COVID-stable’: review
Availability of vaccines and treatments will continue to play a key role in 2023 and 2024 due to uncertainty over future COVID variants, independent report finds A need to mitigate …
Setting the agenda
Health Minister highlights medicine costs, pharmacist aged care role expansion as key areas for the new government Health Minister Mark Butler began his first speech to a pharmacy audience since …