Hi everyone,

I'm new here, I stumbled across this site while searching online for info about the above mentioned issue because apparently there is some new federal program that allows all scripts from all states to be filled in any state and it started about 6 weeks ago.

So I thought I would share my story so others can be aware and protect themselves against what just happened to me.

I take strong S8 pain relief, given on regular authority scripts, I have travelled from Qld to Tassie many times but always to the same area so I found myself a Tassie doctor to prescribe if I ever needed my scripts while away, although he could never give me authority scripts he was happy to give normal script.

Sadly, I need to travel to Tassie again (right now due to family members very ill health) but to a totally different part of the state, so can't see the normal Tassie doctor that I see.

I go see my local normal GP, he gives me post dated single script (this will allow for enough medication for my trip) and tells me I can get it filled down there when due, I told him I could not as we have tried that before. I could not get my authority as it is not due as yet but will be while I'm away, this is why he gave me normal script, just to cover me while away.

I left with this script in hand and wondering what the hell I was going to do, doc rings an hour later and tells me he rang the chemist next door and was told about this new program where Australia wide any script can be filled from any state and it's only been in for about 6 weeks and if the chemist I go to in Tassie does not know about it, tell them about it or ask them to ring him.

My gut did not set well this, so I found all the contact info of local chemists of the area I will be and phoned them all to ensure they would fill my script.

They all no!!!!

Only 1 chemist knew about this new program but said regardless of new program it is not law and they have the right to refuse and they do because it's safer that way.

All the other chemists I rang simply said they would not do it and 2 of them said that even if I had script from local doctor that because I was an interstate person, they would not fill script for S8 medication due to the dangers.

I then sat and though "what do I do then" and decided to ring local doctors in said area and asked if their doctors are happy to see interstate patients with letter from current GP.

I was told no by all surgeries I telephoned, I asked why and was told that they had been caught before with "fake" letters and because it takes up so much time  to try and ring other doctors etc they have simply said no more.

I was so angry, shocked and heartbroken, heart broken because I could not risk arriving in Tassie to find I can not get my medications all because a pharmacist wishes to play God with my health and refuse me medication I have been on for many years.

I had to postpone my trip as it's not something I can risk and now I have to go back to my GP tomorrow and try and get him to understand all this mess too.

Even when I first went to the other Tassie doctor (in the normal area I visit when down there) I had 2 chemists refuse to fill his script, even though he was local but it was because I'm not local is the reason why apparently. I am just lucky that I found 1 chemist who filled it but it was like pulling teeth to get them to do so and I left feeling like some interstate junkie  because of the treatment I did receive.

So it is boiling down to it doesn't matter what new programs are bought into play to try and help people like us wanting to explore our beautiful country, at the end of the day, the Pharmacist still gets the final say if you can have your scripts filled or not.

The other issues is because of the type of medication, it is not in my best interest to go and see a million doctors for a script because that will cause eyebrows to be raised, so it seems I am now caught between a rock and a hard place.

I have not traveled to any other state (yet) and required my medication while being there, Tassie is the only state so far and it's turning out to be the strictest and hardest place to go and have to need medication while there apparently.

As I said, just wanted to warn you all of what I have just been through the last few days.

I saw quite a few threads regarding this issue, that is why I thought I would make this thread as it's very recent information and recent situation.

PS, I can not recall the correct name of this new program sorry but if anybody else knows it's true name then please let me/us know. I know it had the word National in it and that's all I recall.