Pharmacists need similar support for the millions invested by the federal government in the training of new doctors, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) called.
The Federal Minister for Health Nicola Roxon yesterday announced a boost of $ 632 million of funding over the next 10 years to train a GPS for 5500 extra and 680 specialists, and provide pre-vocational places 5400 generalist training, doubling the number of practitioners in these positions.
"He can not really be a higher priority than funding the lifeblood of the system, which is our doctor," Ms Roxon told Sky News yesterday.
However, as the president of PSA Warwick Plunkett, the government should not neglect the other primary care professionals such as pharmacists.
"The decision to strengthen the ranks of doctors and encourage people to become generalists is a very positive first step in improving the system of health care and, indeed, in the implementation of reforms in health which are the basis of the government program, "said Plunkett.
"But other professions, such as pharmaceuticals, which are equally crucial for the team of primary health care should not be forgotten. It must also be a priority given to the needs of those professions so that the effectiveness and sustainability team of primary health care model is assured. "
Mr. Plunkett said the government needs to provide more financial support to attract pharmacists in rural and regional areas and ensure they were able to operate effectively.
"The needs quite unique pharmacists in these areas must be recognized and treated by the government," he said.
