The future of medicines: good for people, good for the planet
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care is hosting the National Medicines Symposium 2023 on Wednesday 8 November.
This year, the Symposium brings together health professionals, researchers and consumers to discuss quality use of medicines and environmental sustainability. Australian and international presenters will bring their ideas, experience and solutions for medicine sustainability and appropriate care.
The all-day virtual event explores the impact of inappropriate use of medicines, benefits of appropriate prescribing practices and the power of consumer choices.
The Commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan said that health systems need to act urgently on environmental issues.
“In Australia, we have one of the best healthcare systems in the world. However, delivery of health services significantly effects the environment. We have considerable opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint of health care. We can develop sustainable practices by ensuring there is a strong focus on improving the appropriateness of care,” she said.
“The Symposium brings together experts from around the world, providing a platform to explore these critical issues for our healthcare systems, as well as potential solutions.”
Associate Professor Liz Marles, Clinical Director for the Commission and a general practitioner, said stewardship, the quality use of medicines and a focus on appropriate care will all contribute to improving sustainability and patient outcomes.
“Our approach to stewardship of medicines – what we do to supervise and take care of our patients – can reduce low-value care. As a result, this will lead to better patient outcomes, a fairer and more robust health system for all, and improvements in the burdens we place on the environment, particularly through pharmaceuticals,” she said.
The Symposium features keynote presentations from Professor Paul Kelly, Chief Medical Officer Department of Health and Aged Care, and Dr Kate Charlesworth Medical Director, Climate Risk and Net Zero Unit NSW Ministry for Health, among an engaging program of international speakers and panel sessions.
To register for the Symposium and view the full agenda, visit safetyandquality.gov.au/NMS23.