Wesfarmers Health

Statement from InstantScripts regarding withdrawal of infringement notices by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

InstantScripts welcomes the TGA withdrawal of infringement notices issued to its online prescription website, which alleged unlawful advertising of prescription-only medicines.  The withdrawal is part of the settlement of judicial review proceedings brought by InstantScripts.

“We are pleased the TGA has acknowledged InstantScripts’s genuine and ongoing efforts to comply with the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 (the Act). InstantScripts is committed to providing affordable and accessible telehealth services to people throughout Australia for those times when they cannot access their regular doctor” said Richard Skimin, General Manager of InstantScripts. 

InstantScripts also welcomes the publication of further guidance by the TGA regarding advertising prescription medicines.

“InstantScripts provides an important and convenient telehealth service for many Australians to support the efforts of their usual health providers.  Telehealth consumers must have confidence in the quality of services provided, so it’s critical the rules by which the industry operates are clear and consistently applied,” said Mr Skimin.

About InstantScripts:

InstantScripts is Australia’s largest, full-service telehealth provider offering affordable and convenient services 24/7, underpinned by robust clinical governance oversight.  InstantScripts was acquired by Wesfarmers Health in July 2023.

Statement from Emily Amos, Managing Director, Wesfarmers Health regarding Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) decision on Sigma / Chemist Warehouse merger

Wesfarmers Health notes today’s decision by the ACCC that it will not oppose the Chemist Warehouse / Sigma merger.

The Chemist Warehouse / Sigma merger represents a different operating model for retail pharmacy in Australia.

Through complex ownership structures and transactions, Chemist Warehouse has been able to navigate certain key aspects of pharmacy regulation to enable a level of corporatisation in the sector, which will only increase as a result of the merger.

The new, merged entity will have retail pharmacy sales which are three times those of its closest competitor. It is already a very substantial participant in the industry and over time, we expect that the merger is likely to bring change to the community pharmacy sector.

We know that community pharmacies are an important source of advice and healthcare for Australian patients.

API and Priceline Pharmacy remain committed to supporting community pharmacy and franchise partners to innovate and succeed in this different environment, and to make healthcare more accessible and affordable, for all Australians.

Priceline Pharmacy will continue to enhance its market-leading retail offer in support of its franchisees, helping them evolve and strengthen their businesses.