To recognise the expanding number of aboriginal community controlled health organization (ACCHO) pharmacists, the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) hosted the first Special Interest Group (SIG) Committee meeting in Canberra on Wednesday, November 1st.

PSA believes that the committee, composed of pharmacist representatives from every State and Territory, can generally provide support to pharmacists, especially to those particularly working in rural and remote areas. It can also provide peer support, advocacy, and input into key medicines-related policy items for NACCHO and PSA.

“It’s really satisfying to have seen this network grow organically over the last few years. The Committee’s collective expertise will be invaluable for informing policy in our sector and there is a real opportunity for the sharing and networking to grow and to add value to each member’s respective health organisation.” NACCHO Director of Medicines Policy and Programs Mike Stephens said.

Additionally, according to PSA National President Dr Shane Jackson, the knowledge of the committee will contribute to the development of PSA’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Pharmacist Career Pathway. This career pathway aims to optimize health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and the program will include continuing professional development (CPD), training, practice support tools, and recommendations of relevant external resources.

More articles on My Health Career:

• Physiotherapists Battle for Prescription Rights
• World-first guide to developing a workplace wellbeing strategy in health service settings launched by beyondblue
• A big YES from Australians and the health industry on same sex marriage