PBS key for health - Tambassis

PHARMACY Guild Na onal President George Tambassis last night highlighted the key role of the Pharmaceu cal Benefits Scheme, no ng that the dispensing of PBS medicines in Australia was a “very effec ve public‐private partnership”.

Speaking at the Guild’s Annual Parliamentary Dinner in Canberra, Tambassis noted that the scheme was underpinned by the 5,700 “highly accessible community pharmacies” across the country.

He welcomed a endees from across the poli cal spectrum to the dinner, saying “we appreciate the opportunity we are given by everyone here to put the case for community pharmacy”.

The Guild President highlighted the significant contribu on made by pharmacist vaccinators to herd immunity through influenza vaccina ons across the country.

Tambassis par cularly welcomed comments by PM Sco Morrison, who noted such interven ons as immunisa ons, work in aged care, mental health and minor ailments.

“I’m a firm believer in expanding this community health care role as part of the spectrum of primary care across this country,” the Prime Minister said, adding “I think there’s a great opportunity to create even stronger linkages between pharmacists and GPs”.

Tambassis followed up by no ng that pharmacists were keen to work to the full extent of their scope of prac ce.