The Victorian Government has today made an announcement to extend the special authority for emergency supply of Schedule 4 medicines without a prescription in a move that has been welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
Patients will be able to receive a maximum PBS quantity or pack size until 27 September 2020 without a prescription, where the pharmacist is satisfied there is immediate need, usually a months' supply for most medicines.
The medicine must have been previously prescribed and be for the continuation of current essential treatment where it is impractical to obtain a prescription.
PSA Victorian President John Jackson congratulated the Victorian Government for extending the emergency supply rules.
"PSA fully supports and thanks the Victorian Government for this very sensible approach which will enable patients to maintain access to their prescription medicines at time when GPs and broader health care sector are under extreme pressure"
"As the peak national body for pharmacists, PSA has called for and worked with the Victorian Government to allow the continuation of emergency dispensing that was put in place during the recent bushfire crisis to ensure patients and members of the community continue to gain access to much needed medicines."
The changes are in effect from 26 March 2020 until 27 September 2020 unless earlier revoked.
PSA will continue to work closely with Victoria Health to support pharmacists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Resources can be found through the PSA COVID-19 web page: https://www.psa.org.au/coronavirus/
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