AUSTRALIA'S leading pharmacy organisations have hailed the achievements of outgoing Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, following yesterday's announcement that he will not contest the next General Election.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Trent Twomey, described Hunt as an outstanding Minister and leader in the health sector, noting he was "always accessible and willing to listen to ideas and argument".
"At the Guild we have had very close dealings with the Minister and have found his commitment to patients and to universal healthcare to be unwavering," Twomey said.
"But as Minister he has had to balance that with the pragmatism of budgets and other Government imperatives.
"In the five years he has been Minister for Health he has brought more medicines onto the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme, thus enabling more Australians access to the medicines they need.
"His focus on improved patient outcomes was reflected in the negotiations for the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement which were the toughest of any agreement.
"But underlying the tough negotiations was the determination of the Minister and the Guild to achieve an outcome that ensured patients and patient wellbeing were the centrepiece of any final agreement.
"He is a great advocate for the community pharmacy sector and recognises the pivotal role pharmacists play as primary healthcare providers improving the health outcomes of communities across all areas of Australia.
"And of course, over the past two years he has been at the vanguard of Australia's response to the pandemic, all the while continuing to address the other imperatives of the ministry."
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National President, Professor Chris Freeman, said Hunt's decision to walk away from politics marked "the end of an era".
"The way in which the Minister has risen to the challenges of the past few years has been second-to-none.
"Through drought and bushfires, Minister Hunt led the way in protecting and championing the health and wellbeing of all Australians, placing both patient and practitioner outcomes at the forefront of his efforts.
"As a result of his leadership and resolute approach to the pandemic, this nation has incurred a far lower mortality rate from COVID-19 -- whilst our health system continues to withstand the impending threat posed by this disease.
"Throughout his tenure, Minister Hunt has been a strong advocate for the pharmacy profession, particularly in the areas of medicine safety.
"Greg will be remembered as one of Australia's most important Health Ministers."
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