INTRODUCTION
NPSA is pleased to make a formal submission to the Review and presents arguments supported by detailed economic modelling as to why medicines wholesaling in Australia has worked so well up to this point in time, what is at risk if the status quo is maintained, and how wholesaling under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) can be improved. In general, the NPSA continues to support:
- The policy framework centred on the National Medicines Policy (NMP);
- The network of over 5,500 community pharmacies, which provide dispensing, other medicinesrelated services and general health care support to Australians regardless of where they live; and
- A compact between Government, industry and consumers through the Australian Community Pharmacy Agreement (CPA) or comparable arrangements that provide stability and predictability to Government and Industry.
As we have noted previously, it is important to recognise that the medicines supply system that has evolved in Australia is one that is heavily interdependent. Changes once made can have unintended consequences that are difficult to reverse.
The NPSA submission package has three parts:
1. Part One includes an Executive Summary, Appendix and Answers to a number of questions raised by the Review Panel in its Discussion Paper (not otherwise covered by the L.E.K. Report);
2. Part Two – The principal submission prepared in consultation with NPSA by respected management consultants, L.E.K. Consulting;
3. Part Three – A report prepared by Medici Capital that provides an expert position on the value of the working capital arrangements of the wholesalers to pharmacies.
To read the complete Part 1 of the Review of Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation please click here: NPSA submission-to-the-review-panel