In this article, Sue Frankland looks at the global problem of wastage of medications, including causes such as overprescribing and non-adherence. She also presents information from her master’s dissertation on how people understand, and respond to, medication expiration dates
Pharmacists welcome 'sweeping reforms' of health system
Pharmacists welcome 'sweeping reforms' of health system
The Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand welcomes the announcement by Health Minister Chris Hipkins that “sweeping reforms of the health sector will go ahead”, with the number of DHBs to be dramatically reduced.
The Society believes the biggest potential to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders is by improvements in the way primary and community services are organised.
The Society agrees with the recommendation in the Health and Disability System Review that DHB funding for tier 1 (primary/community) services should be ringfenced to ensure it is not diverted to other services.
“Improving access to healthcare services in the community is the first and most important step to preventing patients ending up in hospital later on,” says Society president Ian McMichael.
According to the Society greater utilisation of the pharmacy workforce will be required to improve access to primary healthcare in New Zealand.
“The Society continues to work with policy and funding decision makers to change our health system so as to improve access and equity,” states McMichael.