Medicines Australia joins PSA and RACGP in welcoming the new Health Minister

Pharma News: Hon. Mark Butler MP has been confirmed as the Minister for Health and Aged Care, and Emma McBride MP MPS as Assistant Minister for Regional and Rural Health under the Albanese Labor Government.

PSA National President, A/Prof Chris Freeman, said he looks forward to working with the new Federal Government to ensure pharmacists’ voices are being heard.

“PSA is ready to work with the Minister to progress the funding of onsite aged care pharmacists and ensuring all Australians have access to fully funded National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccines, including influenza vaccinations.

“Patients still face out of pocket costs to receive an influenza vaccination under the NIP if delivered by a pharmacist, whilst this same service is subsidised if done at a general practice. It must also be a priority for the incoming Minister for Health and Aged Care to ensure that there is a consistent approach to the NIP vaccines and that all Australians can access fully funded vaccinations from their local pharmacist.”

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A/Prof Freeman also pointed to workforce shortages and pharmacist retention as one of the major challenges facing the sector.

“There are consistent challenges in recruiting and retaining pharmacists across all sectors, with many choosing to leave pharmacy because of low base rates of pay. We need investment in a whole of profession workforce strategy so that we can sustainably meet all the exciting opportunities in front of the profession, while provide rewarding careers, both professionally and financially,” he said.

In welcoming Minister Butler’s appointment, Medicines Australia CEO, Elizabeth de Somer, said reviews and reforms already underway will need the Minister’s leadership to ensure Australian patients have faster access to the latest innovative medicines, vaccines, and treatments.

“Medicines Australia developed a productive working relationship with Minister Butler during his time as Shadow Health Minister,” Ms de Somer said.

“Labor has committed to deliver on its vision of universal, fast, and world -class medical care and we believe this is possible with bold patient-centred health reform. Minister Butler has shown vast knowledge and appreciation of the many complex and growing health needs of Australians, industry, and stakeholders, including patient groups, and is aware of the challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Medicines Australia also congratulated the new leaders of the Liberal Party and the National Party.

Ms de Somer said both Liberal Leader, Peter Dutton, and Deputy Leader, Sussan Ley, have served as Health Minister and have a highly informed knowledge and understanding of the health system, including the medicines and biopharmaceuticals sector.

“Medicines Australia will engage positively and constructively with the Opposition to drive much-needed reform to achieve faster access for Australians to the medicines they need when they need them, no matter where they live. There is a lot of work underway to improve medicines policy in Australia, which will require the support of all MPs and Senators across the political spectrum.”

RACGP President Adjunct Professor Karen Price welcomed the incoming minister to the role.

“The college already has a robust relationship with the Labor health team, and I hope that it only grows stronger in the years ahead as we work together to boost quality general practice patient services,’ Professor Price said. 

“This is a great opportunity for the new Government to strengthen its commitment to the most cost-effective and frequently accessed part of the nation’s healthcare system – general practice.”