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.
President of the NSW Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Mario Barone said, “The activation of the PBS Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure ensures that patients affected by the bushfires can continue to access vital medicines without interruption.
“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.”
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 at https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/pharmaceutical/Documents/authority-restricted-substances.pdf.
For more information speak with your local pharmacy, GP or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
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