King Review a Key Feature for Pharmacy Connect 2017

With the Interim Report of the Pharmacy Remuneration and Regulation Review now released, Pharmacy Connect will host two dedicated sessions to discuss some of the issues raised in the Report and the industry’s responses.

Conference Convenor Kos Sclavos said that Pharmacy Connect presents a timely opportunity to reflect upon the options presented in the Interim Report and for key industry representatives to respond.

“There is no doubt this Review has caused uncertainty in the sector. Although some options presented seem innocuous in terms of impact on community pharmacy, it’s vital that the industry representatives consider unintended consequences,” Kos said.

Chair of the National Pharmaceutical Services Association (NPSA) and CEO and Managing Director of Sigma Healthcare, Mark Hooper, along with CEO and Managing Director of Australian Pharmaceutical Industries, Richard Vincent, will present the wholesalers perspective on Saturday 2 September.

NPSA CEO Donna Staunton said that wholesalers are concerned about the options presented in the Report.

“The options presented in the Interim Report would inevitably lead to significant upheaval and uncertainty throughout the entire supply chain without materially enhancing outcomes for pharmacy, the community or Government.

“We went to a tremendous amount of effort to give the Panel the data it needed and we offered practical measures to ensure the long term sustainability of the supply chain. We are extremely disappointed that the Panel appears to have given greater weight to data that is, in our view, less rigorous.

“We look forward to sharing the official response from wholesalers at Pharmacy Connect,” Donna said.

Kos added that Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President George Tambassis and CEO David Quilty will present the Guild’s official response on Sunday 3 September.

“These two dedicated sessions will ensure a comprehensive overview of the industry’s concerns and outline appropriate actions for delegates to take in order to respond to this Review.

“In addition to the high calibre international speakers presenting at Pharmacy Connect, these sessions are no doubt a highlight in the conference program, and should not be missed,” Kos said.

Held from 1- 3 September at the Hilton Sydney, Pharmacy Connect will feature over 30 speakers, a trade exhibition with 60 plus exhibitors, Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner. The Guild’s National Student Business Plan Competition will also be conducted at the event, with the winner announced at the Gala Dinner.

Online registration, accommodation bookings and full program are available online. Visit pharmacyconnect.com.aufor more information and to register.