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Australians urged to speak to pharmacists as health misinformation grows

24 July 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is today encouraging Australians to leave behind the advice of unverified websites and online influencers and instead visit their local pharmacist for accurate health information as it marks International Self-Care Day.

 

With the increasing availability of unverified and often inappropriate ‘health hacks’ online, PSA recognises the increasingly important role of pharmacists in tackling online misinformation while empowering Australians to be active agents in their own healthcare.

 

As a member Australia Self-Care Alliance PSA promotes the adoption of self-care through pharmacists, maintaining a suite of over 100 Self-Care Fact Cards to provide evidence-based health information to consumers.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS said that misinformation can risk the health and wellbeing of Australians.

 

“Appropriate self-care does not replace the care provided by professionals, but enhances it,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Self-care is important as part of keeping yourself and your family healthy, but more and more often we’re seeing consumers getting health information from social media, which is often not based in evidence, and in some cases can be very dangerous.

 

“Pharmacists are registered health professionals who give evidence-based health advice to Australians. Instead of trusting social media influencers and the internet, I strongly encourage patients to speak with their local pharmacist about their health concerns where we can give you accurate health information or refer you on to the right healthcare provider.

 

“Today’s International Self-Care Day is a great reminder not only to look after your health and wellbeing, but also of the importance of following accurate health information,” A/Prof Sim concluded.

 

More information on self-care is available via the World Health Organization.

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Pharmacists are encouraged to read the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) resource Empowering self-care: A handbook for pharmacists

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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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.

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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.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Media statement: Vaping reform legislation

26 June 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the passing of reforms today that aim to shut down the retail model of vape supply in Australia.

 

The legislation which has now passed the Senate defines the minimum legal requirements for prescribing as a Pharmacist Only Medicine (Schedule 3). In addition, pharmacists will be expected to adhere to PSA’s Guidelines for pharmacists providing smoking cessation support, which will be updated prior to 1 October 2024.

 

While the amendments to the legislation are not PSA’s preferred approach, we also recognise the need for strong action to address the vaping public health crisis, and this starts with ending retail supply of vapes.

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:


“PSA has consistently called for strong action to address the public health crisis that vaping has become.

 

“While this is not our preferred model, PSA remains firm in the belief that something needed to be done to prevent another generation of Australians to becoming addicted to nicotine and experiencing the health consequences of vaping.

 

“Once legislation has passed both houses, our focus will be firmly on supporting pharmacists through these changes.

 

“PSA will work with government to support the pharmacists who choose to be involved in the prescribing and dispensing of nicotine-containing therapeutic vapes. PSA will develop best-practice guidelines to describe how pharmacists prescribe products for smoking cessation products, including nicotine-containing therapeutic vapes.

 

“People will not be able to simply buy vapes on request – they must take part in a therapeutic consultation with a pharmacist who will prescribe a therapy based on clinical need.  It will be very different to how Australians are currently buying vapes.

 

“The coming months will be critical in ensuring pharmacists and the community have a clear understanding of how this model will work as a health-based approach to nicotine dependence management.”​

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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PSA welcomes 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement, and enters into Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice

3 June 2024

 

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the announcement today that the Australian Government and Pharmacy Guild of Australia has finalised the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement. PSA welcomes the certainty the 8CPA brings to the community pharmacy sector, and confidence it brings to the viability of Australia’s community pharmacies.

 

For the last 12 months, the community pharmacy sector has had uncertainty. The 8CPA delivers funding boost of $3billion for community pharmacy activities, certainty of funding for dose administration aids, staged supply, MedsChecks and the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance.

 

PSA has also announced the signing of the Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice was signed in Canberra today by National President A/Prof Fei Sim and the Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler.

 

The key Strategic Agreement with the Australian Government contains a program of work to deliver contemporary fundamental standards and guidelines that define pharmacy practice across all areas of practice.

 

Together, both agreements secure the most significant federal government commitment to supporting professional pharmacy practice in history, lifting the bar in quality of care and breadth of services delivered by pharmacists across the health system.

 

Discussions will continue for programs not contained in the 8CPA, including those delivered by pharmacists in all other areas of practice. PSA looks forward to leading further engagement with government in relation to these programs during the remainder of 2024.

 

Quotes attributable to PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim:

 

“On behalf of our members, PSA welcomes the signing of the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement for the certainty it provides the sector. The funding committed by the Albanese government in the 8CPA is positive for community pharmacies and will result in more accessible care for patients through a strong, thriving and viable community pharmacy network.

 

“In particular, I thank Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler for his commitment, alongside PSA, to continue advancing the profession through a key Strategic Agreement on pharmacy practice.

 

“PSA’s intent through its negotiations with government is to ensure pharmacists are supported to do what they do best – support the health and wellbeing of Australians through providing access to health care and making the use of medicines safer.

 

“PSA’s Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice acknowledges that the role of pharmacists is changing and evolving, and with that comes the need to further develop the fundamental guidelines that underpin all elements and areas of pharmacy practice. This will ensure pharmacists can continue to deliver high standards and quality services which Australians rely on in a sustainable manner.

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“While today is a milestone in negotiations regarding community pharmacy-delivered programs and services with government, there is more to be done.

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“We are focused in continuing our work with Minister Butler and the Department of Health and Aged Care which will define the design, implementation and evaluation of pharmacist-led programs which are not in the 8CPA.

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“We continue our commitment on supporting the pharmacy workforce through practice support and education which has always been one of the core responsibilities of the PSA.”

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Quotes attributable to PSA Lead Negotiator Dr Shane Jackson:

 

“The 8PCA is a positive outcome for the profession and the Australian community. It will help improve access to care in a sustainable manner.

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“PSA’s strategic agreement focuses on supporting pharmacists, and helping pharmacists demonstrate the value of what we do. It provides a pathway to create data and evidence to demonstrate the need for long-term, continued funding for programs we know are critical to the Quality Use of Medicines.

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“Now that the 8CPA and Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice have been announced, we turn our focus to providing a structure for optimisation of programs no longer contained in the 8CPA, as well as new programs that may be delivered by pharmacists.”

 

 

A copy of the PSA Strategic Agreement on Pharmacist Professional Practice is available on the Department of Health website.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Vaping reforms to protect a new generation from nicotine dependence

8 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) joins leading health bodies and the Federal Government in calling for reforms to the sale, supply, manufacture and commercial possession of vapes to pass Parliament.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said Australians do not want to see a new generation of Australians taking up smoking or vaping.

 

“PSA unreservedly supports any measure that reduces the chance of children and young people accessing vapes and support Australia’s world leading approach to tobacco control,” A/Prof Sim said.

 

“Our priority focus in public health messaging and in policy should continue to be on the harms of cigarette smoking and vaping, particularly to young people and children.

 

“Ensuring convenience stores do not sell vapes and removing the colours and flavourings that appeal to young people are the first steps to reducing the harm of nicotine vapes.

 

“There are no nicotine vaping products on the market that have been tested and approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration as safe therapeutic goods, but there are pathways for vaping products to be used as a genuine smoking cessation tool with the support of healthcare professionals.

 

“We need to be clear that vaping is not a ‘safe’ alternative to smoking – we’re already seeing scary short-term effects, not to mention the long-term effects that may emerge in the coming years.

 

“Accessing vaping products through a health professional gives pharmacists the opportunity to provide broader health and smoking cessation support.”

 

PSA is already assisting government with minimising the impacts of vaping in the community.

 

A/Prof Sim said: “PSA is supporting pharmacists across Australia with education and training about our role in vaping and smoking cessation.

 

“There is more work to be done to limit the harm caused by vaping and inhaled nicotine use in general. PSA continues to work with the Federal Government, the Department of Health, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and other stakeholders to ensure that pharmacists have all necessary resources and education to support vaping reform,” A/Prof Sim concluded.
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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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‘Placement poverty’ affecting future of health sector workforce

6 May 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is pleased to see the Federal Government taking action to relieve cost of living pressure on students undertaking mandatory unpaid placements as part of their studies but warns that students in pharmacy and other allied health professions are being left behind.

 

Students studying pharmacy and paramedicine are among thousands who will fall outside of today’s announcement, with unpaid clinical placements forcing some to give up their education altogether.

 

Under accreditation requirements, pharmacy students are required to undertake clinical placements as part of their course of study.

 

PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim said that the government’s recognition of the strain unpaid placements has on students is the first step, but more needs to be done.

 

“Clinical placements are a valuable part of the learning experience, but they cannot come at the expense of our student’s livelihoods,” A/Prof Sim says.

 

“Training the next generation of pharmacists, I see first-hand the pressure unpaid placements put on our students. I’ve seen pharmacy students forced to give up paid work, struggle to make ends meet, and worryingly, drop out of their degrees altogether.

 

“Many placement sites and pharmacist preceptors also do not get any funding to host placement students.

 

“Pharmacy students and the pharmacy profession require support to continue to meet the growing future health needs of Australians. We need more people to pick pharmacy as their career choice, and that support must start now.

 

“All students undertaking compulsory unpaid placements, including pharmacy students, deserve access to government support.

 

“I urge the Federal Government to revisit this policy and offer the same financial support to all health students who are required to undertake clinical placements as part of their studies.”

 

National Australian Pharmacy Students Association (NAPSA) President Bano Serhan echoed calls for pharmacy students to have access to support.

 

“The government has acknowledged that placement poverty deeply affects students, and this is no different for our members,” she says.

 

“Pharmacy students are being left behind in the budget, at a time when they need more support to build a better and more diverse healthcare workforce.”

 

 

PSA contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

NAPSA contact: Sebastian Harper    M: 0437 926 889  E: treasurer@napsa.org.au

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NIP Vaccination in Pharmacy expansion improves equitable access to vaccines

20 April 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s expanded funding for National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) program in aged care and disability homes from 29 April 2024, actioning one of PSA’s key recommendations in its 2024-25 Federal Budget Submission.

 

Ahead of World Immunisation Week beginning 24 April 2024, the Minister for Health and Aged Care, Hon Mark Butler MP, has announced that pharmacists will be funded to deliver National Immunisation Program vaccines to some of Australia’s most vulnerable priority population groups.

 

The Minister has also announced that NIPVIP payments will also be indexed in line with Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) indexation from 1 July 2024.

 

PSA Chief Executive Officer, Adjunct Associate Professor Steve Morris welcomed the move, which PSA – as the only peak body representing all of Australia’s 37,000 pharmacists – has been advocating for, to expand access to funded vaccination services to all pharmacists practising in all locations.

 

“The expansion of the National Immunisation Program Vaccination in Pharmacy program to include pharmacists practising in residential aged care facilities and in disability care will drastically improve the specialised care pharmacists provide to these patients,” Adj. A/Prof Morris said.

 

“PSA has been supportive of increased investment in pharmacist vaccination services, supporting the delivery of ‘all vaccines, to all ages, in all locations’ – and therefore, pharmacists welcome this announcement.

 

“It means pharmacists can deliver more services to the priority groups who are the most heavily reliant on vaccines.

 

“We are continuing to work with governments across Australia on improvements to the accessibility of vaccination services for all Australians ahead of the winter flu season.”

 

Adj. A/Prof Morris also welcomed the confirmation of service payment indexation in line with indexation of MBS service payments.

 

“Lifting remuneration to meet the rising costs of service delivery allows pharmacists to continue delivering critical vaccination clinics,” he said.

 

“Pharmacists continue to be some of the most accessible vaccination providers, supporting increased vaccination coverage around the country. Adequate pharmacist remuneration is critical to ensuring that these essential services delivered by pharmacists can be delivered sustainably, which ultimately protects and maintains equitable access to vaccination services for all Australians.”

 

Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

 

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“Closing the gap is the responsibility of us all”

21 March 2024

Today the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) marks National Close the Gap Day, a National Day of Action to pledge support for achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equity.

It is also a day to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and success of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

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The latest Closing the Gap Annual Data Compilation Report released by the Productivity Commission in 2023 found that while 11 out of 19 socio-economic outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are improving, only four are on track to meet their targets.

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PSA’s Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice – Community of Specialty Interest Chair and proud Nywaigi Mamu woman Chastina Heck MPS highlights the need for system-wide change to achieve better outcomes and recognition for First Nations communities.

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“Closing the gap is the responsibility of us all,” Ms Heck says.

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“Since the release of PSA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health care position statement last year, PSA continues to honour its commitment to advocating for equitable care for First Nations communities.

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“Importantly, PSA continues calls for the permanent introduction and funding of pharmacists integrated within the primary healthcare teams of Aboriginal Health Service, as demonstrated through the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to Improve Chronic Disease Management, or IPAC Project.

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“This Closing the Gap day, we call for action in funding embedded pharmacists to support both our patients and colleagues working in Aboriginal Medical Services in navigating the complex healthcare systems and related policies.

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“The IPAC model is critically supported by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Medical Services Advisory Committee (MSAC), recognising the essential role of quality use of medicines and medicine safety in the management of chronic conditions.

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“All pharmacists practising around the country, not just in Aboriginal Health Services, have a responsibility to provide health care that is culturally responsive and safe for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

 

“I encourage every pharmacist to review their CPD plan and consider closing any of their own gaps in delivering culturally responsive care which is both a professional and legal requirement.

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“All pharmacists can enrol and complete the free Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Course, one of the growing number of educational offerings specifically designed to meet the needs of pharmacists.”

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Enrolments are open for the Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Course – visit Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Course

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Victorian floods highlight urgent need for permanent continued dispensing

10 January 2024

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s move to expand continued dispensing measures in response to widespread flooding in Central Victoria.

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The introduction of Public Health Emergency Order 25 today aligns with the Commonwealth Government’s National Health (Continued Dispensing) Determination made in December 2023, and expands access to more than 750 PBS-listed molecules for people in emergencies who cannot access their prescription or get in touch with their regular prescriber. The Order is set to expire in February.

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PSA Victoria President Dr Amy Page FPS welcomed the Emergency Order, saying that it allowed pharmacists to continue supporting patients with their health.

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“Continued dispensing plays a crucial role in maintaining the continuity of care for patients, particularly in natural disasters where people can be separated from their medicines. We know that this only becoming more common with the effects of climate change.

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“The temporary expansion of continued dispensing is vital in ensuring that Victorians can access their essential medications without unnecessary delays or interruptions during the current floods.

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“We cannot wait for natural disasters to happen before we put measures in place to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities. Making continued dispensing arrangements permanent for all medicines, for example, would allow pharmacists to take a proactive role in the post-disaster health of their communities.

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“I urge anyone who cannot access their medication for whatever reason to speak to their local pharmacist. We are here to help,” Dr Page concluded.

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS again urged the Federal Government to work with state and territory governments to permanently protect emergency access to medicines.

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“Regulations should be in place to support the safe and effective use of medicines, not hinder access to them,” Dr Sim said.

 

“Our nation’s fragmented approach is affecting the care we can provide patients, preventing continued access to essential medicines and disrupting care when people are already vulnerable to further illness.

 

“PSA firmly believes that all PBS General Schedule medicines should be permanently included in continued dispensing arrangements to avoid delays in emergency situations.

 

“I urge all state and territory leaders to implement permanent continued dispensing measures, giving all Australians equal access to the medicines they need in an emergency,” Dr Sim concluded.

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Media contact:   Georgia Clarke   M: 0480 099 798  E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au

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Pharmacists relieved at reinstatement of expanded continued dispensing, but again call for it to be permanent

22 December 2023

 

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the new Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure Determination issued by the Federal Government yesterday, supporting Australians affected by natural disasters and other emergencies.

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The new determination allows pharmacists to provide patients with up to one month’s supply of 755 different Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines (up from 150 medicines) if they are unable to access their prescription or prescriber in an emergency situation. The determination takes immediate effect.

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PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS welcomed the move but again urged the Federal Government to make it a permanent.

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“While this decision is welcome relief for patients and pharmacists in disaster affected areas, PSA has long advocated for the permanent expansion of continued dispensing nation-wide,” Dr Sim said.

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“Every time there is a disaster, the government extends or reinstates this measure. However, this always takes a few days, and leaves patients without access to their medicines when they need them most. It is time to make it permanent.

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“Regulations should be in place to support the safe and effective use of medicines, not hinder it. It makes no sense these measures expire after each natural disaster passes.

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“With the effects of climate change making natural disasters harsher and more frequent, we know that these threats will continue.

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“Not all emergences are natural disasters. Whether it be bereavement, domestic violence, house fire or car crash, the sad reality is that people are suddenly separated from their medicine in other emergencies.

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“Permanently expanding the medicines covered by continued dispensing arrangements is necessary to give Australians peace-of-mind that no matter what, they will always be able to access to the medicines they need,” Dr Sim concluded.

 

This measure was also recommended as part of PSA’s 2023-24 Federal Budget Submission. Find the full submission here.

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is the peak national professional pharmacy organisation, representing Australia's 37,000+ pharmacists in all sectors and across all locations, working in or towards a career in pharmacy. Registered training organisation code: 122206 ABN:49 008 532 072 ACN:008 532 072

In the spirit of reconciliation, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. We recognise that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples were our first pharmacists.

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