PHARMACISTS have a vital role to play on the frontline of Australia's health system, Federal Health Minister, Greg Hunt, believes.
Speaking during the opening session of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Conference this morning, Hunt praised pharmacists for their work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hunt noted the importance of having the PSA as a signatory to the Seventh Community Pharmacy Agreement (7CPA) for the first time.
"To have you there as part of that CPA, and $18.3 billion agreement, with its focus on dispensing and quality use of medicines is a critical step forward," he said.
Looking to the future and the Government's focus on quality and safe use of medicines, the Minister highlighted the role pharmacists are set to play in the implementation of programs stemming from the Royal Commission into Aged Care.
"This is a $17.7 billion program, [that] in particular through its focus on making sure that we have quality and safe use of medicines, and that there is not chemical restraint," he said.
"Obviously where appropriate medicines are appropriately prescribed and dispensed that's a different matter, but when these medicines have been used in the past simply as a means of effectively restraining somebody - that's not a quality use of medicine.
"You, going forward through the programs the Royal Commission has put in place, and with our strong clear support, will have a vital role in supporting and protecting older Australians."
Meanwhile Minister Hunt confirmed the establishment of the National Medicines Policy Review Committee this morning.
The committee will be Chaired by Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Professor Michael Kidd AM, and include pharmacists, Professor Lloyd Sansom AO, and Dr Sarah Dineen-Griffin.
The National Medicines Policy was first published in 2000 with a framework to promote timely access to medicines that Australians need at a cost the community can afford, ensuring quality use of medicines and maintaining a responsible and viable medicines industry.
The review process will include a public consultation, and is expected to take approximately six months.
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