THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has highlighted the theme for today's Thank Your Pharmacist Day as 'More than ever', a nod to the expanding role of pharmacists within Australia's healthcare system.
The theme reflects the continuous dedication of pharmacists across various practice areas and specialisations towards providing quality, accessible care to their local communities.
Celebrated annually in Mar, Thank Your Pharmacist Day aims to bring together patients, community leaders, and health sector stakeholders to recognise the crucial contributions of pharmacists.
This year's theme underscores the significance of pharmacists' work in an evolving healthcare landscape, where their services have become increasingly integral to public health.
PSA National President A/Prof Fei Sim emphasised the growing responsibilities and impact of pharmacists on the health and wellbeing of Australians.
"Our profession is doing more to support the health and well-being of Australia than ever before," Sim remarked, highlighting the extensive range of services provided by pharmacists.
These include vaccinations, medication management reviews, and support for multidisciplinary care in various settings such as general practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and varied aged care facilities.
Pharmacists are also playing a pivotal role in making critical medicines more accessible across the country, improving access to oral contraceptives and treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, and minor skin conditions in some regions.
This year's event coincides with National Close the Gap Day, focusing on health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The PSA used this occasion to advocate for system-wide changes to achieve better health for these communities, as underscored by Chastina Heck (pictured), Nywaigi Mamu woman and Chair of its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pharmacy Practice - Community of Specialty Interest.
Despite progress in some socio-economic outcomes, the latest Closing the Gap Report reveals that many targets are yet to be met.
Heck calls for the "permanent integration and funding of pharmacists" within primary healthcare teams in Aboriginal Health Services, emphasising the role they play in navigating complex healthcare systems and improving chronic disease management.
The IPAC Project, supported by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and the Medical Services Advisory Committee, exemplifies this approach, highlighting the critical role of medicine safety and the quality use of medicines.
"I encourage every pharmacist to review their CPD plan and consider closing any of their own gaps in delivering culturally responsive care," said Hecks, such as the PSA's free Deadly Pharmacists Foundation Training Course. JG
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