PSA21VIRTUAL: PSA welcomes appointments to National Medicines Policy Review Committee

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) was delighted to have the Hon Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, officially open PSA21VIRTUAL this morning.

 

During an address to conference delegates, the Minister acknowledged the integral role that pharmacists play in Australia’s healthcare system, particularly their role through the COVID-19 pandemic and now in the vaccine rollout.

 

“You are the people who are trained in drawing up doses, making sure that medicines are safely administered – and so, I want to thank you and honour you for that work,” Minister Hunt said.

 

Minister Hunt went on to say that PSA’s recommendations in response to the Aged Care Royal Commission “will have a vital role in supporting and protecting older Australians”, by ensuring safe, quality use of medicines in residential aged care.

 

The Minister has also today announced the membership of the National Medicines Policy Review Committee. Professor Michael Kidd will Chair the expert advisory committee, which will include Professor Lloyd Sansom AO; Janette Donovan; Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin, and David Herd.

 

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, thanked Minister Hunt for officially opening this year’s annual flagship conference, and congratulated PSA Life Fellow Professor Lloyd Sansom, and PSA Branch Committee Member Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin on their appointments.

 

“We are grateful to the Minister for Health and Aged Care for opening PSA21 and for his collaboration on matters such as the vaccine rollout, medicine safety, and the quality use of medicines.

 

“This Committee brings expertise in medicines policy, clinical practice, consumer engagement, and the pharmaceutical industry to the Review. PSA looks forward to working closely with the committee to ensure medicines safety and quality use of medicines are strengthened as a central pillar of the National Medicines Policy.

 

“I am incredibly excited for the next few days, and believe all those attending PSA’s state-of-the-art virtual conference will have an enjoyable and informative experience,” A/Prof Freeman said.

 

<end>

 

 

Media contact: PSA media 0424 777 463