The Federal government announced in its May budget that it intends to allow patients to be prescribed 60 days’ worth of some medications at a time. 

The change would cover about 325 drugs used to treat common chronic conditions such as asthma, cardiovascular disease, depression and diabetes. 

The new rules around these prescriptions will be phased in over the next 18 months. 

“These changes have generated a lot of debate but our message to the community is that our pharmacists and technicians will be there to support you,” Bendigo UFS Chief Executive Officer Lois O’Callaghan said. 

“Any change can be unsettling, but we want to assure members and customers we will be available to provide advice and answer questions. 

“We will also work with other local primary health care providers, including GPs and specialists, to ensure a smooth transition. 

“It is pleasing to hear the government assure the community there will be no shortages of drugs affected by the changes and we will be adapting our stock management and financial plans to adapt to the policy.” 

Bendigo UFS has more than 11,000 active members and supports thousands more local people at its five pharmacies, including its 24-hour pharmacy on View Street. 

The organisation has been a trusted care provider for 150 years and will be marking the milestone during the second half of 2023.