ASMI, Macquarie seal deal
September 11, 2013
THE Australian Self-Medication Industry has today formally launched its new partnership with Sydney’s Macquarie University (PD 09 Aug), which “will produce for the very first time independent, evidence-based research into the current and future impact of self care and self-medication on public health in Australia”. The research program, which will be conducted in three phases over the next year, will determine the value of the consumer healthcare industry in the Australian economic environment, develop insights into consumer attitudes and behaviour towards self care, and “the value of self care in contributing to a sustainable healthcare system in the future”.
ASMI executive director Deon
Schoombie said that several recent
reports into the health system had
ontlined looming major problems
such as rising costs, unsustainable
government expenditure and a
system under enormous pressure
from growing demand due to an
ageing population.
“This research will provide a
deeper understanding of the role of
self care in driving better healthcare
outcomes for Australians and how
it can play a role in preparing for
a more sustainable healthcare
system,” Schoombie said.
Lead researcher, Macquarie
Uni Professor of Marketing Scott
Koslow, said the project seeks to
“assert consumer sovereignty” by
providing insights that will help
policymakers understand the value
of consumer choice in their health
decisions.
“It may even go a step further by
providing the necessary evidence
and impetus for the Australian
government and key healthcare
authorities to support the
expansion of responsible self care
practices across the country”.
Pictured above celebrating the collaboration are, from left: Professor Mark Gabbott, Pro Vice Chancellor International Macquarie University; Sakkie Pretorius, Deputy Vice Chancellor Macquarie University; Ralf Dahmen, ASMI vice president and md Omega Pharma; and Deon Schoombie, ASMI executive director.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 11 Sep 13To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 11 Sep 13