More than just keeping the door open - The evolving role of Australian pharmacies

Описание: The past 18 months has shown the strength of Australian pharmacies in ensuring accessibility, credibility and maintaining rapport with the community to administer COVID-19 vaccinations, handle electronic prescriptions and looking to play an integrated role in aged care.

On the eve of PSA21, Australia’s leading education conference for pharmacists, Mark Kinsela, CEO Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, spoke to Australian Health Journal on the mission of the organisation, as the peak body representing 34,000 pharmacists in community pharmacy, aged care, hospital and in government. The industry, with PSA as a signatory to the 7th Community Pharmacy Agreement, supports the standard of care across pharmacies, supports the clinical proficiency of pharmacy and drives quality improvement of the pharmacy profession, as well as critical issues of roles, renumeration and recognition.

Dr Fei Sim, the WA Branch President and National Board Director of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia talked about the 2 key roles of pharmacists in ensuring the continuity of care and access to essential medicines. Even in snap lockdowns, pharmacies have remained open to continue to safely and efficiently deliver over 1 million influenza vaccinations this year.

This week, Australia Health Minister, The Hon Greg Hunt spoke about Australian pharmacies commencing the administration of COVID-19 vaccinations with 251 starting this week, rising to 470 heading into August and a potential of 3900 qualified to do so.

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