The Pharmacy Guild says the recent Intergenerational Report (IGR) shows that pharmacists working to their full scope of practice is a big part of the solution to meet the growing demand on the health network and save the economy billions of dollars each year.
The report is released every three to five years and forecasts key areas of government over the next 40 years including primary healthcare.
The most relevant section for pharmacists was the report’s prediction on the growing cost of health to the economy,
The report projects spending on health to grow from the current rate of 4.2% of GDP to 6.2% in 40 years’ time.
It also says, “it will be important to ensure that the health system provides value for money. This requires a health system that innovates and prioritises funding a patient-centred and sustainable Australian healthcare system that delivers the best outcomes for communities.”
Intergenerational Report 2023, pp 151
Pharmacy Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey welcomed the report, saying it shows the urgent need to enable pharmacists to work to their full scope of practice, by treating and prescribing medicine for uncomplicated conditions as they do overseas.
“Pharmacists doing more not only benefits patients, it also takes pressure off our health system and benefits the economy not just now but for future generations,” Professor Twomey said.
“Treatment for many of non-urgent presentations to emergency departments are within the scope of practice of pharmacists and can easily be dealt with at a community pharmacy.
“This frees up emergency beds and waiting times to see a GP who can focus on complex and more complicated health conditions.”
In light of the IGR and other publicly available documentation, Pharmacy Guild has also received further factual analysis from EY on the role of community pharmacies going forward which will help in further informing Pharmacy Guild on a future pathway.
