FEDERAL Budget funding to develop a national health literacy strategy as part of efforts to improve preventative health is being welcomed by Consumer Healthcare Products Australia (CHP).
Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, allocated $1.9 million towards improving preventative health, including establishing an evidence-based "prioritisation framework" and a national consumer strategy to strengthen partnerships between health policymakers and the community.
The Department of Health said the initiative would "help refocus health funding towards prevention, to ensure that Australians are not just living longer, but living well for longer".
CHP CEO, Dr Deon Schoombie, said the measure would help tackle low health literacy associated with a range of poor health and policy outcomes, and boost Australian's self-care capabilities.
"Health literacy plays a pivotal role in informing and guiding our health behaviours and lifestyle choices, and is a key enabler of greater self-care and preventive health action," he said.
"We are encouraged to see this often underappreciated and undervalued component of health, prevention, and greater self-care getting clear policy attention.
"However, ongoing investment, and structural and cultural reforms in Australia's health and care systems will be necessary to equitably address Australia's inadequate levels of health literacy, and enable greater self-care.
"Engaging, supporting, and empowering individuals to participate in the proactive management of their health should be defining characteristics of Australia's healthcare systems, services, and supports."
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 13 May 21
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