PHARMACISTS say rapid antigen tests still remain difficult to obtain from suppliers, as a concession card scheme for the testing kits begins across the country.
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An agreement between the federal government and national cabinet will see pharmacists begin to offer free rapid antigen tests to concession card holders, starting Monday.
Under the scheme, concession cardholders will be eligible to receive five tests a month, with a maximum of 10 tests per three months.
Horsham Priceline pharmacist Cobie McQueen said the pharmacy has begun distributing tests, with a keen demand from cardholders.
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"I think we gave away our first test at about one minute past 8am, when we opened. So people definitely know about it and are coming in," she said.
"We have got some at the moment, but supply is still pretty sporadic. We are hoping it will improve and become more consistent in the next week or two. We are not quite getting them every day just yet."
Pharmacies will receive a 50 per cent reimbursement on the test kits from the federal government however supply still remained an issue.
Both Horsham TerryWhite Chemmart and Horsham Amcal have reported being sold out of the sought-after test kits.
Ms McQueen said people should not panic if they were unable to get a hold of the tests.
"If the pharmacy has run out of supply, there is no need to panic, there will be more coming in - and you will be able to get your supply any time over the next three months," she said.
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The concession scheme comes after mounting pressure on the federal government to make rapid antigen test kits free to anyone who needs them.
Pharmacy Guild national president Professor Trent Twomey said the scheme staged rollout in much the same way as the COVID vaccination was rolled out in stages, with some pharmacies participating from 24 January and the majority coming on board over the following fortnight.
"This is a huge logistical exercise, at short notice. Pharmacists are moving heaven and earth to source and stock adequate supplies of RATs," he said.
"If stocks are not immediately available, we ask customers to be patient but to be assured we are doing all we can to match supply to the demand."
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