The South Australian Branch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has congratulated Premier Peter Malinauskas and the South Australian Labor Party on their re-election, welcoming the government's commitment to expanding the role of community pharmacy as a pillar of the state's healthcare system.
South Australian Branch President Matthew Gillespie said the election result provides a clear mandate to ensure South Australian's have better access to primary healthcare through their trusted community pharmacy. "The Malinauskas Government understands that modern healthcare must be patient-centered and timely," Mr. Gillespie said. "By supporting pharmacist training and expanding the 24-hour pharmacy network, they are ensuring South Australians receive high-quality care exactly when and where they need it."
The government's plan will see double the number of pharmacists receiving subsidised training to be able to treat and manage a range of everyday and long-term health conditions. It will increase from 120 to 240 practitioners. This allows pharmacists to assess and treat common conditions like ear infections, wound management, and skin conditions, while providing initiation of hormonal contraception.
"This is about professional empowerment and patient safety," Mr. Gillespie said. "The Guild's ambition is for 80% of community pharmacists and 80% of community pharmacies to be prescribing by 2035. This will ease the burden on overstretched GPs and provide a more efficient, quality experience for our patients".
The Guild is particularly pleased that there is targeted support for rural and regional practitioners. Under the Labor Government's plan, regional pharmacists are eligible for increased training subsidies of up to $8,500 to account for travel and professional development costs.
"For many in our regions, the local pharmacist is the most accessible healthcare professional. Providing additional funding and locum cover for these areas is a direct investment in health equity, ensuring timely care is not restricted by a postcode."
The pledge to add three more 24/7 pharmacies - bringing the state's total to seven - is a gamechanger for accessibility.
"Sickness doesn't watch the clock. Whether it's a parent needing advice at 3:00am or urgent palliative care medication, around-the-clock access to a pharmacist ensures that patient-centered care is available 24 hours a day, providing peace of mind to South Australian households."
The Guild looks forward to working with the Health Minister to roll out these reforms and continue improving access to healthcare for South Australians.
