Australian PM Pledges Balance in Medicines Deal

Prime Minister John Howard has pledged to consider the bottom line for pharmacists when negotiating a new deal over the cost of medicines, but he wants to ensure there is no blowout in the federal Budget. Cabinet had considered possible changes to the way the Government reimbursed pharmacists, but had not made a final decision, Mr Howard said. The new community pharmacy agreement about to be negotiated would take into account two factors, he said.

The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,12627654%255E1702,00.html)