The federal government is standing firm in the face of claims from pharmacists and private hospitals that changes to subsidies for chemotherapy drugs could result in cutbacks to services.

The powerful Pharmacy Guild of Australia and the Australian Private Hospitals Association argue lower prices to be paid for Docetaxel from December could result in some hospitals shutting down their chemotherapy services.

But Health Minister Tanya Plibersek insists patients won't miss out because chemists and hospitals can't charge more for medicines listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).

"The government is happy to continue to talk to pharmacists about the cost of delivering chemo services but the cost of the drug itself must come down," Ms Plibersek said in a statement on Wednesday.

Chemists presently receive a preparation fee of $76 for dispensing chemotherapy drugs, which are more complex than standard medicines.