THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has proposed adding pharmacists to the list of eligible allied health professionals able to deliver services funded by the Medicare Benefits Scheme to patients with chronic diseases.
The plan is part of the PSA's formal 2019-20 Budget submission, which PSA President Chris Freeman said was "an opportunity to enhance the use of pharmacists' skills and expertise for the betterment of Australia's health".
The PSA submission also says medicines safety should be a priority in the Budget, in light of its recently released report which indicated that medicine misuse costs the health system about $1.4 billion annually (PD 31 Jan 2019).
"Every day, pharmacists are faced with situations where the health system fails to meet their patients' needs...pharmacists want to use their knowledge to provide more effective care," Freeman said.
He noted that the public considers pharmacists to be approachable, knowledgeable and highly trusted.
"However structural and funding barriers are holding pharmacists back from participating in key Government initiatives."
As well as allowing pharmacists to deliver Medicare-funded allied health chronic disease management items, the PSA has recommended that the Budget make provision to embed pharmacists in residential aged care facilities to improve the Quality Use of Medicines - in particular reducing harm caused by overuse of psychotropic medicines, opioids and antibiotics.
The PSA is also urging an expansion of immunisation in primary care to boost vaccination rates, as well as facilitating the appointment of a Commonwealth Chief Pharmacist to improve national coordination and responses to medication issues in Australia's complex health landscape.
Funding mechanisms to facilitate collaborative practice between Aboriginal Health Services and community pharmacies are also part of the PSA submission.
Freeman noted that the recommendations aim to enhance the Government's existing health investments, and do not duplicate or inhibit any initiatives in the 6th Community Pharmacy Agreement.
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