MOVES by the Federal Government to cut Australia's carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 are being welcomed by the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA).
The organisation's CEO, Kristen Michaels, flagged concerns over the impact climate change has had on healthcare services across the country.
"Hospital pharmacists nationwide are concerned that inaction on climate change and warming of the planet will contribute to negative health outcomes of Australians -- particularly the most vulnerable -- increasing hospitalisations due to extreme weather events such as bushfires, and fostering the spread of infectious diseases," she said.
"Our members in regional and rural Australia have long been concerned about logistical difficulties with cold-chain supply chains to areas of Australia with extreme heat.
"Temperature breaches are sadly accepted as inevitable, which often results in costly waste of cold-chain medicines such as insulins and vaccines.
"Global warming will further exacerbate the difficulties in delivering vital medicines, that are intact and safe to use, to all parts of Australia."
Michaels added that hospital pharmacists could play a crucial role in reducing healthcare emissions, which account for 7% of Australia's carbon output, by supporting better prescribing and deprescribing practices.
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