The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has joined other health professional organisations to call for recognition of all health professionals in the event of disasters.
A media conference was held in Lismore on 16 September, with representatives from the Guild, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Australian Medical Association, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, the NSW Rural Doctors Network, and the Medical Staff Council of Northern NSW.
It also included representatives from local pharmacies and clinics and local doctors.
These peak bodies are calling for the creation of a Northern Rivers healthcare businesses flood recovery grant.
The NSW Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, David Heffernan, said the proposal formed a strong basis for further emergency measures.
He said it was vital that health services were appropriately recognised for their role in helping communities affected by disasters.
“We have seen through floods and fires how community pharmacists have gone above and beyond to help their communities.
“They have stayed open, worked by candlelight and found innovative ways to get medicines to patients.
“Working with other health professionals they have ensured patients get the best care they can in extreme circumstances.
“All health professionals working during a disaster need to be recognised as essential emergency services.
“We need to put these measures in place now and not wait till disasters strike before there is any action taken.”
