The Wire

Changes to how pharmacies dispense medications will start next month.

Some patients will soon be able to get scripts which last two months, rather than just one.

The federal government says it will make medicines cheaper for people and many won’t have to visit the GP as often, just to get scripts renewed.

However, pharmacies receive revenue each time medicines are dispensed, meaning the change will hit their bottom line.

There are fears it will force some pharmacies to reduce services, cut staff, or even shut down, particularly in regional and rural areas.