A serious disagreement between government and pharmacists over the controversial new dispensing fee legislation is far from over.
Spokesperson for the Pharmacy Stakeholders Forum (PSF) Lorraine Osman on Sunday confirmed they would lodge a court application for postponement of the dispensing fee's implementation later on Monday.
This follows National Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang's refusal to defer implementation of the new dispensing fee for pharmacists which is scheduled to start next month.
"We're taking the matter to court because we are convinced the proposed new dispensing fee will have a negative impact and wreak havoc on pharmaceutical service delivery in SA," said Osman.
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"Implementation of the dispensing fee will place some community pharmacies under crippling financial strain and as many as 75 percent of pharmacies may be at risk of closing."
She said PSF was convinced the fee's introduction would escalate the growing crisis in pharmacies and harm the health of the public as accessibility to medicines will be compromised.
"The minister indicated to the PSF that deferment was also discussed with the Pricing Committee. It seems the Pricing Committee has again failed to comprehend the realities of the present marketplace and the practicalities of providing a comprehensive, quality pharmaceutical service, especially in regard to human resources, return on investment, security and rental costs," she said.
While government is adamant that the new dispensing fee is viable, people in the industry argue it has the potential to ruin numerous small businesses.
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This article was originally published on page 2 of Daily News on December 18, 2006
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