The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) has released their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ health care position statement, recognising culturally safe care and equity of health care access as critical drivers to improving health outcomes.

The statement was drafted in consultation with the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), reaffirming the importance of genuine partnerships and shared decision-making.

• PSA is committed to improving pharmacists’ capability to deliver health care in a way that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will regard as culturally safe and responsive.
• PSA continues to advocate for system-based changes to improve equity of access to medicines and quality use of medicines by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• PSA recognises the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led healthcare planning to prioritise local needs and to optimise the health and wellbeing of community members.
• PSA is dedicated to working with policy-makers, peak bodies and regulators to increase health workforce participation by Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, with the aim of better meeting the healthcare needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
• PSA is committed to embedding cultural safety into pharmacy education and professional development programs to improve patient outcomes.