THE Tasmanian Labor Party yesterday announced its health policies going into the state election on 19 Jul, with its pharmacy initiatives around expanded scope and improved patient access hailed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia as "a massive win for patients" (PD breaking news).
Labor's policy commitments include expanded scope of practice; offering after-hours incentives so local pharmacies can stay open for longer; maintaining current pharmacy ownership rules; increasing access to vaccinations and contraception; and reforming interstate prescription regulations.
The party will also introduce a new meningococcal B vaccine program for all infants and teens.
"Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals and they play a vital role, alongside GPs and other health professionals, in reducing pressure on Tasmania's over-burdened health system," said Labor leader Dean Winter.
"To make their impact even greater, a Dean Winter Labor Government will expand the role of local pharmacies to ensure access to medicines is faster and easier for Tasmanians."
The Tasmanian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild congratulated the Tasmanian Labor Party on its commitments, which were announced yesterday.
"Community pharmacies want to do even more for their patients, and this commitment to expanding community pharmacists' scope of practice, including supporting the training and making these conditions permanent practice, will mean more access to care for more Tasmanians," said Joe O'Malley, Tasmanian Branch President.
"Enabling appropriately trained community pharmacists to treat more than 20 health conditions, in line with Queensland, is a massive win for patients," he continued, adding it will free up primary care appointments and enable people to access care closer to where theylive.
"These policies represent a strong commitment to community pharmacy and the patients we serve," O'Malley concluded.
The Tasmanian Liberal Party announced its policies some weeks ago (PD 17 Jun), which confirmed its commitment to expanded scope. KB
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