Pharmacists mark NAIDOC Week
8 July 2024
This week, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges NAIDOC Week from 7 to 14 July 2024, celebrating and recognising the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The theme of NAIDOC Week 2024 is Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud.
In the spirit of continued learning, PSA continues to encourage all pharmacists practising in Australia to undertake the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Program developed in co-design with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), growing the cultural knowledge and understanding that underpins quality health care.
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS reaffirmed the role of pharmacists in recognising and implementing culturally safe care.
“All healthcare professionals have a responsibility to provide health care that is culturally responsive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians,” Associate Professor Sim said.
“This NAIDOC Week, PSA once again recognises the important role pharmacists can play in closing the gap and improving health outcomes for First Nations people.”
“PSA’s longstanding commitment to culturally safe health care continues to grow, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to promote a truly patient-centred model of care that recognises and works with – not against – our patients’ cultures.
“We continue to advocate for permanent funding for the integration of pharmacists into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services following a positive MSAC recommendation in 2023. This model of care has been proven to make a significant improvement to the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
The Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Program is free and available to all Australian pharmacists. PSA encourages all pharmacists interacting with patients to make a commitment to undertake the training this NAIDOC Week, gaining a better understanding of the health needs of First Nations people.
Additionally, pharmacists who are looking to gain the new MMR credential can upload their certificate of completion of the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training program as evidence of APC Performance Outcome 1.1, demonstrating their learning in the area of promoting, maintaining and advocating for cultural safety, respect and responsiveness in relation to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
