AUGUST,Edition #31 , 2001

 

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A pharmaceutical service will be developed for the people of the Tiwi Islands, 80Kms north of Darwin, following an Approval Number being granted to the Tiwi Health Board by the Health Insurance Commission.
The Approval Number will apply to a pharmacy at the town of Nguiu, population 1800, on Bathurst Island, and it will also supply services to the clinics of Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi, on nearby Melville Island.
This provides a unique opportunity to build a pharmacy service in a manner which reflects the needs of Aboriginal people living in a remote place.
The pharmacy at Nguiu is expected to become a model for other remote Aboriginal health clinics in the Northern Territory, and across Australia.
In a media release announcing the Approval Number, Chairman of the Board, Marius Puruntatameri said:
"This is a precedent in Australia and an opportunity to re-define the meaning of "community pharmacy" as it applies to remote Aboriginal communities," according to Mr Puruntatameri. "The pharmacy at Nguiu will operate in a manner to reflect the health care needs of the Tiwi Islander people. It is unlikely to resemble pharmacies in the suburbs or towns of the rest of Australia." he added.

A workshop will be conducted for staff of the three clinics, and representatives of service providers and the community, to establish how the service should be developed, and where it's priorities will lie.
NT legislation will be taken into account when deciding the "how" of prescribing and dispensing. Health Board Chief Executive, Bill Barclay, commended the Australian Community Pharmacy Authority and the HIC for being able to apply the new rules, which came into effect on July 1, 2000, for "new" approvals to remote locations, to the Board's application.

"There is no doubt this has been a ground breaking exercise for all concerned. We welcome the opportunity to join other "community" pharmacists in the NT and across Australia, in helping to find a way towards an improved health status for Aboriginal people." Mr Barclay said.

NT legislation does not stipulate who should own a pharmacy in the Northern Territory, thus allowing the Tiwi Health Board to be the owners of the business, and not a registered pharmacist.
The development and operation of the service will be carried out under the supervision of two registered pharmacists, and with the aid of a qualified dispensary technician.
Computachem E- Newsletter will bring updates on progress.
Ends

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