The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) recognises Close the Gap Day, a National Day of Action toward Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equity.
Close the Gap Day highlights the persistent health disadvantages experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Chronic diseases contribute significantly to these inequities, with Indigenous Australians facing much higher rates of life-shortening health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Addressing these challenges necessitates sustained action and investment in culturally responsive care.
The release of Closing the Gap’s annual report today highlights the confronting lack of progress against the four Priority Reform areas of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap. PSA stands with Close the Gap in calling for action on the recommendations of the Productivity Commission’s 2024 Closing the Gap Review.
PSA again urges the federal government to further invest in First Nations health by permanently funding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Services to employ pharmacists. Evidence supporting this model of care was captured in the Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (IPAC) project and subsequently recommended by the Medical Services Advisory Committee in 2023.
The IPAC project, led by PSA in partnership with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and James Cook University, demonstrated that adding non-dispensing pharmacists to the team of health workers within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) leads to significant improvements in health for Indigenous patients managing chronic diseases. Key findings included:
- improved medication adherence: Patients reported better adherence to prescribed medications, a critical factor in effective chronic disease management.
- enhanced clinical outcomes: There were clinically significant improvements in controlling cardiovascular disease risk factors, kidney function, and glycaemic levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- improved prescribing quality
- improved patient self-reported health status
PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim FPS emphasised the importance of investing in the integration of pharmacists into Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Services.
“This model of care is essential to breaking down barriers to medicine access and ensuring that pharmacists can deliver culturally responsive care to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
“PSA continues advocating for its continuation and expansion to ensure sustainable, long-term health benefits for Indigenous communities.”
Integrating pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services teams helps to tailor medicine use to the unique cultural and health needs of Indigenous patients. It is a model fosters trust and improves engagement, leading to better health outcomes.
PSA calls on governments to take the advice of their own experts and fund the evidence-based integration of pharmacists into Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
