MODELLING commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia suggests that the goals outlined in its recently released 10-year vision, Towards 2035 (PD 06 Aug), could amount to $5.1 billion in healthcare savings if realised.
The strategy envisions 80 percent of community pharmacists and 80 percent of pharmacies being able to offer additional services to patients - examining, diagnosing and treating every day and long-term health conditions - over the next decade.
Having pharmacists step up to take a greater role in healthcare will ease pressure on the health system, freeing up 52,000 hours in emergency departments and 6.5 million GP consultations, the modelling suggests.
This will generate savings of up to $5.1 billion for the Australian healthcare system and $1.4 billion productivity benefit from reduced absenteeism and presenteeism.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey, said the health outcomes for Australians will dramatically improve when the ambition of Towards 2035 is achieved.
"Towards 2035 is our most ambitious strategic plan," said Professor Twomey.
"Pharmacists are currently working to deliver a broader range of health services, including vaccinations, the resupply and initiation of hormonal contraceptives and the treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
"Pilot programs are also underway to help Australians manage conditions like asthma and cardiovascular disease."
National harmonisation is key to achieving the vision set out in Towards 2035, Professor Twomey pointed out.
"At the moment the services provided by pharmacies depends on what state or territory you're in.
"We want to see harmonisation across Australia, making it simpler for patients to 'think pharmacy first' for accessible and convenient primary healthcare.
"Our vision is to create healthier communities, and Towards 2035 is how we will achieve this."
Community pharmacists are ready to do more, with more than 150 pharmacists already trained to treat a range of conditions, Professor Twomey said.
"Seventy-five percent of the Australian population lives within two-and-a-half kilometres of a pharmacy.
"It makes sense that pharmacists step up, take on more clinical responsibilities to ease pressure on public hospitals and GP clinics across the country," he concluded. KB
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