THE newly released revision to Australia's National Medicines Policy (NMP) (PD yesterday) "clears the way for independent prescribing by community pharmacists in Australia," according to Pharmacy Guild of Australia Qld Branch President, Chris Owen.
Owen (pictured) issued a statement today saying the NMP update is "an important moment in national medicine policy, with the concrete realisation that community pharmacists can and should do more".
"We support the policy framework calling for all Australians to have fair, timely, reliable and affordable access to high-quality medicines and medicines services, which strongly aligns with the North Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot.
"Through the extensive network of highly trained community pharmacists, we are already working with the community to ensure patients are well-informed on the safe and correct use of medicines and their healthcare needs are being met," he said.
"We look forward to working closely with other healthcare professionals to support new and better ways to find and respond to patients' health needs."
Owen said the pharmacy sector had already "shared a glimpse of what we are capable of through our considered and proactive response to the COVID-19 pandemic...the administration of 9 million vaccines in Australian community pharmacies is a phenomenal achievement against the backdrop of a global health crisis".
MEANWHILE the Guild has also updated a specially developed website showcasing the evolving practice landscape at pharmacyfullscope.com.au.
The site includes a map of Australia that users can click on to highlight differences in each state and territory, noting that "increasingly state governments in Australia are recognising the valuable work that pharmacists do as part of a patients' healthcare team, while also recognising the need to improve patient access to primary care, especially in rural and regional areas, where patients are waiting three weeks or more to see a General Practitioner".
There's also a "Myths vs Facts" section to address questions and concerns, and a form enabling consumers to send a letter to Federal Minister for Health, Mark Butler, to "let the Government know you want access to more pharmacy services in your state".
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