My name is attached to a place that has been a pillar of support to the community for the past 7 years: the Brisbane Compounding Pharmacy in Bowen Hills. This pharmacy not only dispenses medication, but also embodies a deep commitment to the vulnerable and disadvantaged groups in Bowen Hills and the wider Brisbane region. Ensuring improved accessibility to healthcare through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) has been and remains our steadfast mission. The PBS will be an invaluable tool in our endeavor, aiding us in subsidising the costs of medication and out-of-pocket fees for patients, many of whom rely heavily on these provisions.

However, sustaining our commitment and outreach is becoming increasingly difficult as we grapple with a lack of adequate funding. Without prompt intervention, the burden is set to fall disproportionately on those least equipped to shoulder it. In a country where almost 43% of Australian adults have inadequate health literacy and millions of Australians forego healthcare every year due to cost according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, this pharmacy - our pharmacy - is not a luxury, but a necessity.

We're determined not to let our commitment waver. We, therefore, raise this petition, appealing to you to help us secure PBS funding essential for our continued operation. Only you have the power to ensure that we can continue to be the lifeline to the less privileged, the elderly, and the vulnerable. Please sign this petition and ensure that Brisbane Compounding Pharmacy, a beacon of care and support, does not dim. Thank you in advance for your support.