Mon 3 June 2024
SHPA welcomes a new period in pharmacy and cheaper medicines for patients with signing of 8CPA
The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) welcomes the beginning of a new period in pharmacy with the 8th Community Pharmacy Agreement (8CPA) signed today in the presence of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon. Mark Butler MP, Guild National President, Professor Trent Twomey and Guild National Executive Director Gerard Benedet.
SHPA Chief Executive Kristin Michaels says the new agreement will see the patient as a key benefactor through cheaper medicines and increased funding for community pharmacy programs.
‘With this new agreement, patients will have access to cheaper medicines through Australia’s community pharmacy network and benefit from existing services delivered by community pharmacies which have received a 30% increase in funding.
‘We look forward to details on the additional $103.3 million for new and improved pharmacy programs.
‘The unique expertise of all pharmacists is crucial to ensuring the quality and sustainability of pharmacy practice and programs.
‘SHPA has been engaged in ongoing dialogue with government and healthcare partners aiming to ensure all pharmacy services are appropriately targeted and funded so patients can receive pharmacy care when and where they need it.
'We look forward to continuing our discussions regarding pharmacy programs not included in the 8CPA, such as the Home Medicines Review Program, Residential Medication Management Review Program and programs supporting medicines access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
‘Medicines management programs and pharmacy services in the primary care setting must be enhanced through the latest research and evidence, upheld by advanced clinical standards and targeted to our highest-risk patients first and foremost, to maximise health outcomes for the community and keep our patients out of hospital wherever we can.’
Ms Michaels also welcomes new government support for pharmacy practice standards
‘It is pleasing to see a strategic agreement between the government and the PSA to support the Professional Practice Standards.
'SHPA calls for extended use of the 22 specialty Standards of Practice, each of which references and relies upon our overarching Standards of Practice for Clinical Pharmacy Services.
‘Comprehensive standards of practice are essential to connect pharmacists and technicians with the latest evidence base and support expanded scope of practice while ensuring equity of health care for all Australians.
‘On behalf of our members we congratulate the government and all contributing parties on the signing of the 8CPA and we will continue to work with the government and our pharmacy colleagues to ensure the profession is fully supported to optimise patient care, everywhere.’