Warrigal in Goulburn ended its partnership with Blooms the Chemist (Goulburn) and was replaced by Capital Chemist in Mittagong as medicines provider from October 1.

Warrigal (previously Warrigal Care) administrators sent a letter to residents and their families in early September to outline the reasons for the change.

The reasons stated included the availability of a six-day delivery schedule, on-call services on Sunday, and a new medication management system.

Warrigal said there would be no disruption to supply, and Capital Chemist medicines would be cheaper under their default generic substitution policy.

Capital Chemist pharmacist Julian Nguyen said a few residents were concerned by the change. 

“The word ‘generic’ has a stigma of being cheap or, in this case, cheaper than the originator. But it’s not the case” he said. 

Mr Nguyen said Warrigal residents could still have the original drug as prescribed by their doctor. 

“We did not take this change lightly. It’s a big job [but] we’re not new-comers.

“It’s an opportunity for us to provide a service.

“We just want to do the best we can and we feel we can help them manage their system better. It’s a challenge for us.”

Generic medications are created when the patent of a drug expires, allowing manufacturers to make comparable but often much cheaper versions.

Generic drugs have the same medicinal effects, but can be marketed under a different name, packaging and pill appearance; all acceptable in Australian law.

Capital Chemist representatives met with residents on Friday, September 14 to answer any questions they had surrounding the transition.

Warrigal executive leader Craig Smith said the change was made after a comprehensive review and was confident services would be appropriate.

The RX Medication Management System allows all pharmacies’ staff to view records of prescribing, supply and administration of medicines to patients.

Warrigal has several aged care facilities including Goulburn and Bundanoon.

-Goulburn Post