Pharmacy Daily | PSA’s 5 pt Budget focus

THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) is calling for more investment into pharmacy and pharmacist services to help improve access and equity of care as part of its 2024-25 Federal Budget Submission.

The PSA National President Fei Sim (pictured) said that funding for pharmacist services is key to equitable and accessible care now and in the future.

"The PSA is calling for investment across five key areas that support patient access to care, bolster the quality use of medicines and medicines safety, and recognise our roles as critical to improving disease management."

The industry's peak professional body wants the upcoming Federal Budget to support patients' access to care and medicines through funded community pharmacist-led consultation services; an expanded National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy program; support for participation in multidisciplinary case conferencing; and nation-wide mental health first-aid training.

Further, the PSA is also calling for the permanent introduction and funding of the IPAC Project - Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to Improve Chronic Disease Management, embedding vital medicines safety advocacy into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health services.

The IPAC Project is supported by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Medical Services Advisory Committee in Australia.

The PSA's recommendations signal the impact that increased scope for pharmacist services can have on the broader health system.

"This year's Budget is an opportunity to strengthen our healthcare system, ensuring that it's fit for purpose and able to meet the current and future health needs of our population," Sim commented.

Pharmacists should be supported to deliver more vaccinations, to act as a key consultation and triage point, and to offer crisis support to people experiencing mental ill health, Sim shared.

"These recommendations bolster medicine safety, recognise pharmacists' roles in disease management, and support access to care for all Australians.

"Investing in community-based care and quality use of medicines is investing in accessible and equitable care for Australians when and where they need it most," Sim concluded. JG