AUSTRALIA'S leading pharmacy organisations have paid tribute to the dedication of the late Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) President, Dr Harry Nespolon (pictured), who passed away after a nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Both Pharmacy Guild of Australian National President, George Tambassis and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National President, Dr Chris Freeman, acknowledged Nespolon's dedication to general practice and the healthcare of Australians, despite his concerns over moves to expand pharmacists' scope of practice.
"While we didn't see eye to eye on all things, I respected Harry and admired his honesty, dedication and his quick wit," Freeman said in a post on Twitter.
"Harry was a pragmatic man, focused on patient care and he will be sorely missed by his patients, colleagues and healthcare in general.
"Harry was a strong advocate for GPs and their profession and despite battling deteriorating health in recent months he was still able to provide strong leadership and achieve a great deal during the COVID-19 pandemic and will no doubt leave an enduring legacy.
"On behalf of the PSA I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to his family, friends and many colleagues."
Tambassis expressed his sorrow at Nespolon's passing, noting he was "unflinching in his determination to get the best outcome for members of his organisation, and through them the best possible results for patients".
"He would not take a backward step when prosecuting a position that he felt was in the best interests of all Australians and the general practitioners he represented, but he did so with courtesy and respect," he said.
"He made a huge contribution to the medical and healthcare sector in this country and he will be sadly missed."
Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) President, Peter Fowler, also offered his condolences, saying he was "shocked and saddened" to hear of Nespolon's passing.
"He was a giant of General Practice, a strong advocate for the profession and will leave a lasting legacy on the organisation he has shaped in recent years," Fowler said.
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