Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) has congratulated the Albanese Government on its re-election, urging the incoming Health Ministry to expand investment in hospital pharmacy and evidence-based models of care as part of the broader Medicare reforms.
A call for deeper reform
AdPha President Tom Simpson FANZCAP (Lead&Mgmt) welcomed commitments to cheaper medicines, strengthened bulk billing, and increased public hospital funding, but called for deeper reform.
“To truly relieve pressure on overcrowded hospitals and emergency departments, we must urgently invest in the hospital pharmacy workforce and support new, evidence-based models of care,” he said.
AdPha is calling for the next Pharmacy Programs Agreement to support innovative, multidisciplinary care across all settings – from hospitals and aged care to general practice and community pharmacy.
Investment in pharmacy workforce capacity needed
Looking ahead to the next National Health Reform Agreement, AdPha is also calling for stronger investment in health and pharmacy workforce capacity to meet the growing demand and manage the complexity of new medicines entering the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“Our members are responsible for managing more than a quarter of PBS spending, and the majority of new PBS medicines are used in acute or specialist settings,” Mr Simpson said, highlighting the listing of edaravone for ALS as an example requiring specialised preparation and delivery.
‘Back pharmacy with bold, evidence-based policy’
AdPha is also urging the government to call prioritise Partnered Pharmacist Medication Prescribing (PPMP), bilateral Pharmaceutical Reform Agreements (PRAs) in NSW and ACT, and the formation of a dedicated Medicine Shortages and Discontinuations Clinical Advice Service.
Mr Simpson says these priorities will deliver more equitable, efficient and quality healthcare for all Australians while strengthening Australia’s world-class health system.
“It’s time to back pharmacy with bold, evidence-based policy to build a fairer, stronger and more sustainable health system,” he said.
