The Federal ALP’s commitment to establish a permanent Australian Health Reform Commission if they gain power at the forthcoming election has been welcomed by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
Shadow Health Minister Catherine King says the proposed Commission would be an independent, legislated body charged with developing and overseeing a long-term health agenda, thus not driven by election cycles.
Ms King said the Commission would focus on finding ways to improve our health care system through reducing health inequality and improving the universality of our health system. The Commission will report not just to the Federal Health Minister but to all Governments through COAG.
The National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia George Tambassis, welcomed the announcement.
“Quality health care delivered through an efficient system is a vital priority in our society, and I welcome this commitment to a standing commission dedicated to productive beneficial reform of all parts of our health system,” he said.
Ms King also committed the ALP to leading an early and inclusive negotiation towards a new Community Pharmacy Agreement to succeed the current Sixth Agreement when it expires in June 2020.
Of note is Ms King’s stated commitment to work with pharmacists and the medicines sector to improve access to PBS medicines.
