VICTORIAN pharmacists have been thanked for playing their role in implementation of voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws, by the State's Health Minister, Jenny Mikakos.
Addressing the State Parliament on Thu, Mikakos provided an update on the rollout of the laws, which were passed in 2017 (PD 24 Nov 2017) and implemented last year (PD 10 Jan 2019).
"I want to thank the care navigators, the statewide pharmacy service and all of our medical practitioners who are providing care to their patients," Mikakos said.
"You are part of history, and I thank you for your expertise and your compassion."
Three pharmacists working at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne have been involved in the provision of medication used in voluntary assisted dying, with all other pharmacists forbidden to discuss the topic unless initiated by the client (PD 27 Jun 2019).
Mikakos revealed that 52 Victorians suffering from a terminal illness "exercised their right to make this choice" between 19 Jun-31 Dec 2019.
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