19 March 2020 - In order to ensure equitable access to medicines for all Australians, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, in consultation with the Department of Health, are requiring community pharmacists to enforce new limits on dispensing and sales of prescription and over-the-counter medicines. 

This measure is also supported by the National Pharmaceutical Services Association, representing pharmaceutical wholesalers.

Demand for medicines increased markedly during the first two weeks of March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in pharmacies and wholesalers reporting numerous product lines out of stock. These temporary, local-level out-of-stocks have resulted in challenges for Australian consumers.

Read TGA press release