I want to recognise the commitment many of you have made to preparing for the future of healthcare. Over recent years, community pharmacists across Australia have returned to university, undertaken additional training, invested countless hours in professional development, and adapted their pharmacies to deliver new clinical services for patients.
You've embraced change. You've invested in new skills, consultation spaces, technology and workflows. Most importantly, you've done it because you know Australians need better access to healthcare and because you want to do more for your patients.
By next year, Australia is expected to have around 1,500 prescribing pharmacists helping patients access timely care closer to home.
Analysis shows that nationally consistent pharmacist prescribing could save the health system $1 billion, prevent 30,000 hospitalisations, and free up 10 million GP appointments.
This progress comes at a critical time. Too many Australians continue to face barriers accessing healthcare, with many waiting longer than they consider reasonable for a GP appointment, unable to secure an appointment when they need one, delaying care because it is inconvenient, or putting off treatment because of cost.
Today, I am particularly proud that Australia's political leaders from across the spectrum have joined us in recognising the contribution of pharmacists and pharmacy teams. As part of this World Pharmacists Day celebration, they have come together in a special video acknowledging the care, expertise and commitment you and your teams provide to patients every day.
Their message is a powerful reminder that the work being done in community pharmacies across Australia is making a real difference to the health of our nation.
Celebrating Community Pharmacy at Federation Square
We're also taking World Pharmacists Day to the public, with the Guild's Consultation Room activation on display at Melbourne's Federation Square.
With AFL Grand Final festivities bringing hundreds of thousands of people through the precinct, we're creating a colourful, engaging and interactive experience designed to showcase the value of community pharmacy.
The event is a unique opportunity to engage directly with thousands of Australians from across the country and help them better understand how pharmacists are improving access to care through services such as prescribing, women's health consultations and chronic condition support.
I'm delighted to be in Fed Square today with Victorian Branch President George Tambassis, Anthony Tassone and a host of fabulous community pharmacists. We are also joined by valued patient and health organisations, including Asthma Australia and the Heart Foundation. Together, we'll be celebrating our profession, hearing from patients, and demonstrating the vital role community pharmacies play in creating healthier communities.
On behalf of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, thank you for everything you do.
Today is a day to celebrate your achievements, your commitment to patients, and your contribution to healthier communities right across Australia.
A message from Australia's leaders: Thank you to Australia's pharmacists and pharmacy teams.
Watch the special World Pharmacists Day video below.
Happy World Pharmacists Day.
