People living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies.
NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who are affected.
The temporary change is designed to assist people affected by bushfires, by ensuring they can continue to access essential medicines.
The Authority commenced Monday 4 December and will end Sunday 4 January, unless extended.
NSW Health is working with local hospitals, pharmacies and health professionals in the affected areas to ensure the community is supported and essential medicines are available to those who need them.
Where able to, people are encouraged to phone ahead and try alternate pharmacies if their usual pharmacy is closed or is out of stock of their required item. The full conditions of the supply of prescription medicines by a pharmacist without a prescription are listed in the Authority which is published online here.
For more information speak with your local pharmacy, GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"This is about making sure people can continue to access their essential medications during emergencies.
"In unfolding events like bushfires, essential items such as prescriptions and medications may be lost or suddenly become inaccessible.
"If you find yourself in this situation, if you can, please contact healthdirect on 1800 022 222, or speak to a pharmacist, to seek advice specific to your circumstances.
"If your medication is considered essential, pharmacists will be able to provide you with a full pack without a prescription to ensure you don't run out during this extreme weather event."
Quotes attributable to President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch, Mario Barone:
"Pharmacists across NSW are committed to supporting their communities during this crisis.
"The activation of the PBS Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure ensures that patients affected by the bushfires can continue to access vital medicines without interruption," Mr Barone said.
"We thank the NSW Government and the Commonwealth for working with the Guild to deliver this urgent support, and we encourage all affected patients to reach out to their local pharmacy for assistance."
Quotes attributable to Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch:
"I have spoken with many community members who have been left with only the clothes they were wearing after fleeing the devastating bushfire in the Koolewong community this past weekend.
"This Authority is about acting quickly to ensure that those impacted can access important medications without delay, easing the burden in a small but essential way during this devastating time.
"Thank you to all agencies who have come together to provide wraparound support to those impacted by the recent bushfire, standing behind our community when we need it most."
