PHARMACISTS should have a greater role in disaster planning and more freedom to dispense medicines during emergencies, the Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) believes.
In response to questions from Pharmacy Daily, CHF CEO, Leanne Wells, praised the efforts of numerous pharmacists in bushfire-affected areas.
"CHF acknowledges the central role pharmacists often play during disasters when other community health services are not available," she said.
"Pharmacists should be represented in planning for emergency supply and other disaster-linked issues.
"It is a source of both anxiety and health risk when people can't access essential medications during times of disaster, and we clearly need arrangements to prevent this occurring.
"The provision of extended dispensing by pharmacists during emergencies and the conditions under which this could occur requires expert consideration."
Former Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Kos Sclavos, told Pharmacy Daily that current emergency provisions were not made for the realities of modern pharmacy, with emergency supplies dispensed as private scripts.
"The whole system is reliant on pharmacists staying out of pocket," he said.
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 08 Jan 20
To see the full newsletter, see the embedded issue below or CLICK HERE to download Pharmacy Daily from 08 Jan 20
