The Government’s first National Health and Climate Strategy was released this week. The strategy outlines the priorities for the next five years to address the health and wellbeing impacts of climate change.
In welcoming the Strategy, PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS thanked Federal Health Minister Mark Butler MP and Assistant Minister for Health Ged Kearney MP for their leadership in recognising the impact of climate change on health.
“The leadership of the Federal Government in acknowledging and assessing the impacts of climate change on the health of our population and the provision of care is crucial, because our health system, and our country need to do better,” Dr Sim said.
“Climate change is already having a significant and direct impact not only on the health of our every person in Australia, but also on the way we deliver quality health care.
“The rapidly changing climate adversely affects the health of the nation. It disproportionately harms vulnerable individuals. And we all need to work together to be part of the solution.
Dr Sim also reiterated the urgent need for environmentally sustainable practices across the pharmacy and broader health network.
“As a health issue, pharmacists and all health professionals have a professional obligation to work towards limiting the negative health impacts caused by climate change through direct action, leadership and patient support.
“Proactively responding and preparing for a changing climate will continue to alter many aspects of professional practice.
“In 2022 we released the first PSA Environmental Sustainability position statement, reaffirming our commitment to guiding pharmacists in improving our sector’s environmental footprint.
“PSA has led the way, having implemented measures across our organisation that contribute to a more sustainable future.
“We all have a responsibility to move toward sustainable practices, whether in the pharmacy or as an organisation – a responsibility that we take seriously and continue to develop and improve on,” Dr Sim concluded.
