Medicines Australia calls on government to negotiate strategic agreement on medicines access

Australia’s medicine industry has called on the Abbott Government to negotiate a five-year strategic agreement after reaching an in-principle deal with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia to ensure access to the best Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Tim James, chief executive of Medicines Australia, said the sector is seeking certainty from the government after more than A$3 billion ($2.4 billion) in budget savings.

Mr James said: "While Medicines Australia is yet to see the detail of the Pharmacy Guild agreement, the apparent 23% increase in funding will provide certainty for pharmacists and ensure patients are able to have prescriptions filled in much the same way as they always have. Like the Guild, our members are seeking certainty from the Australian government.”