TUESDAY, 12.00NOON
AT least half of SA’s pharmacies, represented by United SA Pharmaceuticals, have precipitated a furore by announcing they will introduce a R20,90 dispensing fee, raising the ire of medical aid schemes, who believe the move will lead to a 17% increase in average medicine costs, and lead to patients paying cash for prescription drugs.
USAP, representing 1 480 of SA’s 2 900 pharmacies, has informed medical aid societies of its intention to charge the levy from June 26. Pharmacists have threatened to boycott medical aid schemes refusing to accept the new pricing structure, by forcing patients to pay for medicines in cash.
According to USAP, the dispensing fee is intended “to reduce the high price of inflation”.
A representative for Medscheme, one of the country’s large medical aid managers, estimated the dispensing fee will lead to a 17% increase in medicine costs, which would hit lower income earners hardest.