Proposed new cap on doctor's dispensing fees rejected

The National Convention on Dispensing (NCD) who represent dispensing doctors has rejected the Department of Health's proposals to offer doctors the option of charging fees of not more than 16% for items costing less than R125 and a fee not exceeding R20 for more expensive items.

The doctors want fees ranging from 30% to 35%. The NCD met with the Department last month to explain why a fee of R16 for an item costing R100 was not acceptable, but these discussions have apparently been ignored.

Pharmacists, who face the same potential capping will resume their court challenge to the Department of Health later this month.

Adapted from Business Report, Thursday 9 October