ENSURING CONTINUED ACCESS TO MEDICINES DURING COVID-19
1 April, 2020
The Australian Government has approved a number of temporary changes to medicines regulation to ensure Australians can continue to access the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines they need, as the COVID-19 outbreak unfolds.
We are also closely monitoring the impact of the pandemic on the supply of medicines, especially those manufactured overseas, so we can take early action to address any potential supply interruptions.
New temporary measures will improve access to medicines, reduce the burden on GPs and support social distancing and self-isolation.
- Continued dispensing arrangements for the ongoing supply PBS subsidised medicines without a prescription will be extended to 30 June 2020.
- A home delivery service for PBS and Repatriation Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (RPBS) medicines is now in place.
- Ongoing work with pharmacists, GPs and the States and Territories to allow medicine substitution by the pharmacist in the event of a shortage.
- Restrictions on the quantity of medicines that can be purchased to prevent unnecessary medicine stockpiling.
These temporary changes will ensure Australians can access the medicines they need throughout the coronavirus outbreak.
For more information you can go here: https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/covid-19-national-health-plan-home-medicines-services-information-for-consumers
