PHARMACY will benefit from greater certainty following the Coalition's Federal Election, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, George Tambassis, believes.
Congratulating Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, on the result of Sat's election, Tambassis said the return of the Morrison Government would provide consistency ahead of the 7th Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) negotiations.
"The Coalition has long been a strong supporter of community pharmacy and recognises the important role that community pharmacists play in the healthcare sector," Tambassis said.
"Community pharmacies across the country are facing a very tough operating environment and certainty is crucial to their ability to continue meeting the ongoing health needs of the communities they serve.
"This year we are entering negotiations for the 7CPA, an agreement which will shape the future of the sector and the pharmacy profession.
"Our strong and respectful relationship with the Coalition will be central to ensuring the best outcomes for health consumers and the pharmacy profession are achieved in the 7th Agreement."
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia President, Dr Chris Freeman, said he looked forward to the PSA playing an active role in the 7CPA negotiations, having been assured that the society would be a signatory to the agreement by Health Minister, Greg Hunt, earlier this year.
Dr Freeman called on the Morrison Government to continue to expand the scope of pharmacy practice to optimise the utilisation of pharmacists' skills.
"PSA looks forward to working closely with the Morrison Government and Minister Hunt, with whom we have an excellent working relationship," he said.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 21 May 19
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