Proposed Pharmacy Legislation May Solidify Dominance of Major Companies: RACGP
The new laws in Queensland maintain restrictions on pharmacy ownership, allowing only pharmacists to own individual stores.
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has expressed concerns that the new pharmacy laws in Queensland could create obstacles for patients seeking affordable medication and further solidify the dominance of larger pharmacy operators.
On March 22, the state government passed the Pharmacy Business Ownership Bill, aiming to replace the outdated Pharmacy Business Ownership Act from 2001.
Unlike other healthcare businesses, pharmacies are one of the few industries where only pharmacists can own a store. For example, while a pharmacist can own a general practice, a GP cannot own a pharmacy.
Under the new laws, a council will oversee compliance with the regulations, a role previously managed by Queensland Health.
Additionally, the legislation prohibits third parties from controlling the provision of pharmacy services, nullifies agreements that grant them control, and mandates audits by the council to ensure compliance.
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