National promises greater role for pharmacists

14 October 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

National promises greater role for pharmacists in primary health care.

National Party Pharmacy Spokesperson Dr Jackie Blue has vowed that pharmacists will play a greater role in primary health if her party is the next Government.

Dr Blue made the comments during her speech at the New Zealand Self-Medication Industry (NZSMI) Conference 2008.

"National sees a greater role for the pharmacist in primary health care. We are concerned that with the evolution of the Government's primary health care strategy, pharmacy has been largely excluded."

"Pharmacists around the world are being asked to step-up but in New Zealand this Government's response has been to marginalise and antagonise. National is determined to bring pharmacy back into primary health."

"Just as governments around the world are looking at health differently, so too are New Zealanders." said Dr Blue.

Pharmacy Guild Chief Executive Annabel Young, who also addressed the Conference, is welcoming the National Party's commitment to pharmacy.

"Community pharmacists are the health professional New Zealanders see most often and should always be at the table when it comes to primary health."

"For too long the Government has taken a low-cost approach to pharmacy which wastes the potential of pharmacists to contribute to the primary health sector. This low-budget approach compromises what can be delivered by community pharmacists." says Ms Young.

ENDS

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