Medicine pricing was thrown into further confusion on Tuesday when the Pharmacy Council confirmed it is scrapping its guidelines for fees charges on top of legislated dispensing fees.
The fees were introduced on October 15 in a bid to cover operating costs that pharmacists say are not covered by the maximum R26 dispensing fee they may now charge.
They included levies for submitting claims to medical-aid schemes and for processing credit cards.
However, the council said it has been told that the implementation of these fees is difficult and could lead to misinterpretation.
”The council decided that patients and pharmacists would benefit more if the guidelines were revised and clarified,” a statement read.
A detailed description of procedures is needed along with consultation with the Department of Health on the implications of the regulated dispensing fee.
”Although some of the anticipated changes are simple, a thorough revision will ensure that council can develop a support system to give guidance and support to the rules,” the statement read.
”The Pharmacy Council has therefore decided to withdraw the board notice, to review the content and to develop clear directives so that the fees may be easily and fairly implemented.” — Sapa