Media Release

30 September 2008

Embargoed to 6pm

Pharmacists are part of the health workforce too, Guild tells Minister.

The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand is disappointed that Minister Cunliffe has all but ignored the importance of community pharmacists in the delivery of primary health care.

In a statement released by his office today, community pharmacists do not appear to be included in the Minister’s “new policy direction towards a more integrated whole of system approach to workforce planning”.

“At this point in the election cycle the Government should stop talking in bureaucrat-speak.” Says Pharmacy Guild Chief Executive, Annabel Young.

In the Guild’s Election Pack sent to its members around New Zealand, the Labour party is quoted as saying

“…pharmacies play an important key role in delivering quality primary healthcare to our communities, and in preventative health care. Labour is committed to better integrating pharmacists into the primary health care system”.

But Labour’s claim is hollow when community pharmacists are once again absent from this key health policy announcement.

“Pharmacists are ready to score the Labour Government on what they have done and this announcement merits a fail.”

“International trends are towards an increasing role for community pharmacists in primary health care.”

“The Labour Government needs to show that it is serious about utilising community pharmacists - the health professional New Zealanders see most often.”

“Members of the Guild are equipped and ready to raise these issues with candidates and MPs during the election campaign.” Says Ms Young.

ENDS

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