As a general practitioner, I am concerned about reports in the media about possible exacerbation of shortages of medicines once 60-day dispensing is implemented from 1 September 2023.
It is important not to create unnecessary concerns in the community about medicine shortages, especially for those people who rely on daily medications to manage their medical conditions.
Given the careful way this initiative is being rolled out in stages, and with patient safety and continuity of medicine supply being paramount, I can confirm that there is no basis for these concerns.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration closely monitors medicine shortages and facilitates the supply of alternative medicines as a priority.
Importantly, doctors will still have the choice, in consultation with their patients, to prescribe medicines in the quantity they consider safe and clinically appropriate for each individual patient's circumstances.
