PSA Welcomes Progress On Preventive Health, Australia

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Article Date: 23 Oct 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has welcomed passage of legislation through the House of Representatives yesterday that marks a large step forward in improving the health of Australians. Pending consideration of the legislation in the Senate, Australia should have its first National Preventive Health Agency ready to commence activities from 1 January 2010.

PSA's National President, Mr Warwick Plunkett, said the establishment of this longoverdue national agency was a key recommendation of the final report of the Preventative Health Taskforce and is strongly supported by PSA.

"PSA has focussed considerable activity over the past 20 years in providing resources and training to enable pharmacists and pharmacy assistants to deliver effective preventive health care services for patients. Pharmacists are the most accessible and one of the most trusted health professionals and are very well placed to work with the new agency in delivering new and enhanced preventive health care programs" Mr Plunkett said.

"Through its Professional Development, Practice Support and Pharmacy Self Care programs, PSA has national infrastructure in place and a considerable body of expertise that can be utilised to develop and deliver cost-effective, evidence-based preventive health programs across the country.

PSA and the pharmacy profession look forward to working in partnership with the Government and, following its establishment, with the Australian National Preventive Health Agency in improving the health of the Australian community, particularly those patients with chronic conditions."

Source
Pharmaceutical Society of Australia