Australians living in rural and remote locations will continue to benefit from access to pharmacist care, under a new Heads of Agreement between the Albanese Government and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) as both parties work towards the First Pharmacy Programs Agreement (1PPA).
The 1PPA will support the continued funding of current pharmacy programs, supporting Australia’s 10th National Health Priority Area Quality Use of Medicines and Medicine Safety and National Medicines Policy.
It will benefit people in rural and remote areas particularly, as the funding helps pharmacists access training and pharmacies to remain viable in sparsely populated regions.
The 1PPA includes the continuation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pharmacy programs, helping to support the government’s Closing the Gap initiatives.
These programs are an important part of delivering quality care to Australian patients, including by enabling pharmacists to deliver medicine reviews to patients, helping them use medicines more appropriately and safely.
The 1PPA will provide a pathway for reform of pharmacist programs, using the lessons from recent reviews and consultation.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
“The Albanese Government recognises the role of pharmacists in the optimal and safe use of medicines by patients.
“Our government is committed to making sure all Australians, including First Nations and rural and regional communities, benefit from the knowledge and expertise of pharmacists.
“Continued funding under this agreement helps to reduce gaps in health care that otherwise may arise in regional and rural Australia.”