Better Patient Outcomes From National Medicines Record
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has welcomed the Albanese Government's announcement of major reforms to strengthen the safety, visibility and coordination of digital medicines information-an important first step toward a National Medicines Record that will help create healthier communities across Australia.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia, National President Professor Trent Twomey, said community pharmacists had long called for a system to ensure every healthcare provider involved in a patient's care has access to accurate, up-to-date medicines information.
"Community pharmacists have been advocating for a truly connected medicines ecosystem for many years. The Government's innovation off the back of the eRx platform, brings us significantly closer to a safer, more coordinated system-that supports better decision-making and ultimately healthier communities," Professor Twomey said.
For the first time, patients, prescribers and community pharmacists will have visibility over a patient's complete medicines history, including medicines prescribed through online platforms.
The Government has also committed to designing and developing a National Medicines Record, using digital capabilities such as electronic prescriptions, the Active Script List and My Health Record.
"A National Medicines Record has the potential to strengthen continuity of care and give pharmacists and other clinicians the tools they need to deliver safer, more effective healthcare."
Professor Twomey said the Guild supported the move and would advocate to ensure patients ownership of their scripts and choice is maintained.
Consultation is underway now, with the first phase of implementation scheduled for completion by December 2026.
The Pharmacy Guild looks forward to working closely with the Government and the broader health sector to ensure the reforms deliver safer care and stronger, healthier communities nationwide.
https://www.guild.org.au/news-events/news/2026/better-patient-outcomes-from-a-national-medicines-record
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