Turnbull pledges support
June 7, 2016
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull
has written a letter of support for
community pharmacy, in response
to a request from the Pharmacy
Guild which has invited all political
parties contesting the federal
election to state where they stand
on a range of pharmacy issues.
The PM has confirmed his govt
is “committed to supporting
hardworking pharmacies through
much needed measures to support
small business,” adding that the
Coalition “continues to support
the model of pharmacies being
owned by pharmacists to ensure
community pharmacy remains
focused on the needs of patients.
“The established community
pharmacy model continues to serve
Australians well,” he said.
Interestingly, Turnbull also noted
the current independent review
of Pharmacy Remuneration and
Regulation, saying it will make its
recommendations but “any policy
changes are always a matter for
Government”.
He encouraged pharmacies to
engage closely as the reforms
progress, to ensure they continue
to be a key player in delivering new
and improved health outcomes.
The Prime Minister also said if reelected
the government will ensure
the $50 million in the Pharmacy
Trial Program and the $600 million
in the Sixth Community Pharmacy
Agreement for new and expanded
professional services “deliver the
very best evidence-based health
outcomes for patients through the
community pharmacy network”.
He said a re-elected Coalition
would also continue to work with
the Pharmacy Guild to identify a
solution to improve the Quality Use
of Medicines under the Remote
Area Aboriginal Health Services
(RAAHS) program, and ensure
appropriate remuneration for the
scheme under the 6CPA.
Turnbull noted the many health
challenges facing Australia with
an ageing population, increasing
rates of chronic disease and the
cost of life changing medications
and new technology, saying he
looks forward to continuing to build
on the government’s successful
partnership with the Guild.
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