According to the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP), the new store legislation in Queensland may make it harder for people to find more affordable care and to compete with larger pharmacies.
The Pharmacy Business Ownership Act, which was established in 2001, is being replaced by the state authorities, which was passed on March 22.
The new law places restrictions on the possession of pharmacies, requiring only their close friends to own or run them, with the intention of ensuring those in charge of pharmacy have the necessary credentials and expertise.
Importantly, pharmacies are one of the few sectors where only a doctor does own a business, unlike other medical businesses. For instance, a pharmacist can own a general practice, but a GP ca n’t own a pharmacy….
