Pharmacists key to PHA
October 26, 2010
THE Australian Self-Medication
Industry has welcomed a
government decision this week to
proceed with legislation to establish
the new national Preventive Health
Agency (PHA).
ASMI executive director, Dr Deon
Schoombie, said that pharmacists
were expected to play a vital role in
the roll-out of community-wide
preventative health programs,
which are likely to be established by
the new organisation.
The PHA was one of the key
recommendations of the govt’s
Preventative Health Taskforce, “and
represents and important step in
delivering improved health
outcomes for all Australians,”
Schoombie said.
“We saw a considerable amount
of work by the Preventative Health
Taskforce examining the benefits of
a stronger focus on strategies to
improve health and fitness across
the community.
“We fully endorse the Taskforce’s
position that there will need to be
stronger partnerships between
government, non-government
organisations, industry, the business
sector and communities, as well as
action by individuals and families to
improve the health of all
Australians,” he added.
Schoombie said preventative
health strategies could play an
important role in addressing some
of the community’s “most prevalent
and treatable conditions” such as
smoking, alcohol, obesity, back
pain, osteoporosis, heart disease,
diabetes and mental health.
“More evidence is emerging that
simple and cheaper prevention
strategies can be at least as costefficient
as more expensive
interventions,” he said.
ASMI says such initiatives can
make a significant improvement in
the quality and productive life of
individuals, as well as alleviating
government health budgets and
“reducing the burden on overstretched
GPs.
“With proper community
awareness programs, consumers
will feel more confident in seeking
the advice of pharamcists, and
pharmacists can become more
involved in patient self care,” Schoombie concluded.
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