Pharmacy Daily | Expand scope, funding $19 per vax

IT'S been a busy few days for the profession as it grapples with major policy changes.

The latest coming from Federal Health Minister Mark Butler who announced last Fri reforms to deliver the recommendations made in the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce Report, which include supporting workforces such as pharmacists to work at the top of scope.

To that effect, commencing in late 2023, the National Scope of Practice Review will address barriers and incentives for all health professionals to work to their full scope of practice.

The Commonwealth will also expand the National Immunisation Program to pharmacies.

Eligible people will be able to get immunisations on the program at their local pharmacy at no cost.

The Australian Government will fund pharmacies $19 per administered vaccine.

This, Butler noted, will optimise the use of the health workforce across a stretched primary care sector, and improve patient access, particularly in rural and remote areas.

"Australians will be able to walk into one of the thousands of community pharmacies around Australia and get safe and convenient access to any vaccine on the National Immunisation Program," Butler said.

"The Government is strengthening Medicare for future generations by addressing current challenges and seizing opportunities to improve the health and aged care system."

The Minister added that the PBS Opioid Dependence Treatment program will broaden access to treatments in community pharmacies from 01 Jul.

This too he thinks will give patients looking to end their dependence on opioids another option to access treatment outside GP clinics and hospitals that are already under immense pressure.