EMPOWERING Australian pharmacists to play a greater role in primary healthcare will deliver benefits to patients and the health system, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) National President, Dr Fei Sim, believes.
Marking World Pharmacists' Day yesterday (25 Sep), Sim renewed the PSA's calls for pharmacists to be authorised to work to the top of their scope of practice.
"The credibility and rapport we have with our local communities place us in a unique position to make a difference in people's lives, day-in-day-out," she said.
"The pandemic has highlighted pharmacists' roles as essential primary healthcare providers, and we became a first point of contact for many in our communities.
"No matter the circumstance, pharmacists have worked hard to keep our doors open and continue delivering reliable, accessible health care.
"There is a lot to celebrate about the role that pharmacists play in Australian healthcare, but there are also opportunities for us to play a greater role in primary health.
"Australia can learn from countries around the world who have moved to allow pharmacists to play a greater role in community health.
"In parts of the US pharmacists are prescribing hormonal contraception like the pill, while South African pharmacists are administering childhood vaccinations for polio and measles under an expanded immunisation program.
"These are all examples of how pharmacists can improve the accessibility of basic healthcare.
"As a health system we need to enable all healthcare professionals to practice to their top of scope."
Sim noted that changing State and Federal Government regulations regarding scope of practice will require extensive consultation.
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