MINISTER for Health, Greg Hunt, speaking at the National Press Club in Canberra last week, announced the launch of Australia's Long Term National Health Plan: to build the world's best health system, which commits an injection of $435 billion, including improved access to medicines through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
The plan will provide a blueprint for boosting health care in Australia, including guaranteeing Medicare, supporting public and private hospitals, improving private health insurance, prioritising mental health and preventative health and investing in health and medical research.
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has welcomed the commitment with CEO, Kristin Michaels, saying "As custodians of 20% of PBS expenditure, hospital pharmacists are essential to ensuring the safe and optimal use of some of the most cutting-edge medicines, which help manage many aggressive and complex diseases.
"Increased access to the latest, high-quality medicines through the PBS -- many of which are managed by hospital pharmacists embedded in multidisciplinary hospital teams -- will reinforce this pillar of the healthcare system, supporting optimal care for more Australians."
The new national health plan also outlines the government's commitment to increase funding for all Australian public hospitals, from $100 billion between 2015--16 and 2019--20 to an estimated $131 billion between 2020--21 and 2024--25.
"SHPA also welcomes the commitment to health and medical research -- having recently established a Research stream of Specialty Practice -- and prioritising mental health and preventative health, two areas within which safe and quality use of medicines is essential," Michaels said.
Access the national health plan at health.gov.au.
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