The Community and Pharmacy Support Group (CAPS), representing the independent pharmacy sector against the 60-Day Double Dispensing policy (60DD), has challenged Federal Health Minister Mark Butler’s recent speech to the Pharmacy Guild in Canberra. CAPS asserts that the minister “downplayed the detrimental effects of 60DD on both the industry and its patients and misled the room about the policy impact”. In response to Minister Butler’s assertions, CAPS emphasises the critical issue of pharmacy viability, particularly in the context of small businesses that play a vital role in employing local communities and providing essential services. The organisation argues that while the govt intended to alleviate the cost of living through 60DD, the reality on the ground tells a very different story. Contrary to the promised savings for vulnerable community members, pharmacists report a misconception about ‘two for the price of one’ medicines, increased prices and heightened pressure on medicines already facing shortages. The supposed benefits to patients are actually coming at the expense of community pharmacies struggling to adapt to the changes imposed by 60DD, stated CAPS. Shadow Health Minister Senator Anne Ruston (pictured below) echoed the sentiments shared by CAPS, representing their concerns. She stated her support for cheaper prescription medicines but was critical of how the 60DD policy had been implemented. “But we do not support a policy which sees community pharmacies wear the entire cost of the 60DD policy,” Ruston added. “Frankly, the cost should be funded by the govt, especially if the govt intends to take credit for the policy,” she asserted. “Most of you are small businesses, and it’s unreasonable to expect you alone to shoulder the burden of the change in dispensing costs,” Ruston remarked. CAPS spokesperson Christine Kelly said that Butler’s comments were “out of touch”. “Butler spoke about pharmacies being in a good position as new ones are opening up, I think it’s fair to say that the pharmacies opening had been ongoing projects that had been in the works prior to 60DD, today is a very different landscape.” JG