Viatris joins forces with top surgeon to spearhead innovative screening model of care

Pharma News: The healthcare system is facing a series of challenges that are impacting consumers in receiving timely access to care. However, the recent Strengthening Medicare Taskforce report has recommended several solutions to improve the delivery of quality care. One of the proposed solutions is to introduce new blended funding models that allow different health professionals to work together in delivering care.

In an interview with Health Industry Hub, Professor Toby Richards, Professor of Vascular Surgery, University of Western Australia and Cynthia Tan, Head of Medical Affairs, Viatris discussed a research partnership that highlights the potential to provide greater access to screening through pharmacies. This research aims to address a health issue that impacts a significant number of women.

Despite the benefits of the wider access to rapid antigen tests (RATs) through pharmacies during the pandemic, there has been some backlash from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) on the UTI pharmacy pilot and the expanding role of pharmacists in delivering care. Professor Richards emphasised the key strategies and success factors within the research project that also aim to bring GPs on the care journey.

Mark Butler MP, Minister for Health and Aged Care, has also emphasised the need to end turf wars between different health professional groups to ensure that consumers receive equitable access to quality care.

The latest Productivity Commission Report has revealed that mounting out-of-pocket medical costs are causing more Australians to delay or avoid seeing their doctor or filling prescriptions. However, Professor Richards highlighted the affordability of the screening test and the population this new model of care aims to serve.

Innovative models can enhance equitable and timely access to quality care, by reducing the need for acute care and further pressure on the public hospital system that is deteriorating at a level not seen in the past 15 years.

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