Question Time descended into chaos as Labor and the Coalition clashed over controversial changes to medical prescriptions while up to 40 pharmacists watched on in the gallery.
The two-month dispensing of PBS medicines will allow patients with chronic illnesses to cut the number of prescriptions needed in a cost of living measured which will save up to $1.4 billion in out-of-pocket costs over four years.
Dozens of pharmacists were dressed in their pharmacy whites in the viewing gallery for Question Time. “Hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of millions of dollars, paid out by patients because the former government decided not to follow the advice of the experts.” Mr Albanese eventually addressed the concerns and said his government continued to “engage with community pharmacies”.
The policy is expected to save general patients up to $180 a year per medicine, while those with concession cards can expect a $43.80 cut per medicine.
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