CONSUMER Healthcare Products Australia (CHP Australia) has used its 2024-2025 Pre-Budget Submission to urge the Australian Govt to facilitate and fund a common ailments scheme in community pharmacy.
The organisation also reminded the govt that self-care as a public health policy approach should be at the forefront of its Budget and policy considerations.
CHP Australia stated the govt must prioritise self-care and turn Australia into the healthcare leader it deserved to be.
The national health advocacy group's recommendations included calling for self-care as a strategic goal of the 2025-2030 National Health Reform Agreement to empower all Australians to be healthier; bridge the health literacy gap in schools, homes, communities, and the healthcare system; and fund a common ailments scheme in community pharmacy.
A CHP Australia statement said that the nation's healthcare needs have changed, and people are no longer going to the GP just for single, treatable issues.
With more Australians living with chronic illnesses that need to be monitored and managed, the healthcare system must ensure that people are supported and have the knowledge and skills to do that.
The statement added it is just as important that those who don't live with chronic illnesses are capable of maintaining a healthy life.
The role of all healthcare professionals is crucial to this goal with so many factors that can lead to improved health outcomes, CHP Australia concluded. JG
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 29 Jan 24
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