THE pharmacy industry has joined to shine a light and call out the "confronting lack of progress" on persistent health disadvantages experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on National Close The Gap Day.
Coinciding with the release of the annual Closing The Gap report, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has called for action on the Productivity Commission's 2024 Closing The Gap Review.
The report showed ongoing chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes are continuing to contribute to rising levels of inequality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The association is urging the Federal Government to permanently fund primary Indigenous community health services to allow them to employ pharmacists.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS stressed the importance of the integration of pharmacists into primary health services for Indigenous populations.
"This model of care is essential to breaking down barriers to medicine access and ensuring that pharmacists can deliver culturally responsive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients."
MEANWHILE, the National Rural Health Alliance has responded to the Closing The Gap report, saying it is the responsibility of any government elected this year to prioritise the full implementation of the Productivity Commission report.
NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen said long-term funding and policy levers must be implemented with support from state and territory governments and communities. ML
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