Community pharmacies welcome Victorian chronic disease program

The announcement of the Andrews Government Pharmacist Chronic Disease Management pilot program has been welcomed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch, as a major step in helping patients manage their chronic illnesses and medication.

Victorian Branch President of the Guild, Anthony Tassone, said further utilising the skills and expertise of community pharmacists in chronic disease management in collaboration with GPs would further enhance patient care.

“Having community pharmacies as integral elements of this pilot program means patients with chronic conditions will have timely access to the healthcare they need, as part of a team-based approach with their GP,” Mr Tassone said.

“The pilot is a demonstrable example of how the Andrews Government, and in particular the Minister for Health, the Hon Jill Hennessy, have been focusing on improving the health outcomes of Victorians.

“It is very encouraging that the Minister recognises the value of community pharmacies in helping deliver positive health outcomes for the people of Victoria, as part of the broad healthcare team, and the high accessibility of community pharmacies is an important factor for chronic illness patients for whom travel may be difficult.”

Under the pilot, pharmacists and GPs will work together so eligible patients can visit their local pharmacist to monitor chronic conditions and manage medications under the direction of their GP’s care plan.

“The program, announced by the Acting Minister for Health Jenny Mikakos, will help to manage and reduce the burden of chronic disease in Victoria where more than half of all visits to GPs currently involve the management of at least one chronic condition.

“Research has shown that many of these visits involve renewing prescriptions or making dose adjustments, rather than diagnosing new conditions,” Mr Tassone said.

Eligible pharmacies are invited to submit a joint expression of interest by completing the application form available www2.health.vic.gov.au/health-workforce/reform-and-innovation/pharmacist-chronic-disease-management