ASK YOUR PHARMACIST WEEK 2006 (25-30 SEPTEMBER)
Maria Vamvakinou MP is getting behind the local community in support of this year's 'Ask Your Pharmacist Week', 25-30 September.
Throughout Pharmacist Week, pharmacists will be showcasing the many services they provide to local communities, including medicine management programs, medicine information and, professional advice.
"Pharmacists play an important role in the healthcare system. They are often the first port of call for healthcare information and a person's last point of information before they take any medicine, helping consumers use their medicines safely and effectively. They are part of our local community, and they provide us with an invaluable service" Maria Vamvakinou said.
"Pharmacists are unique in that they are healthcare professionals, but also small business owners. Most pharmacists, like other local businesses, give back to their local communities through sponsorship and support programs, as well as by offering various healthcare programs."
As part of Ask Your Pharmacist Week, residents of Hume are invited to support their local pharmacy by voting for it as the People's Choice - Pharmacy of the Year. Voting forms are available either from their local pharmacy, or online at www.askyourpharmacist.com.au
"I urge everyone to use this opportunity to get to know their local pharmacist and take advantage of the information that is available from their pharmacist" Maria Vamvakinou said.
As an industry, pharmacy contributes an annual turnover of $8 billion and tax revenues of $200 million to the Australian economy. It employs 12,000 university qualified pharmacists and some 28,000 highly trained pharmacy assistants and dispensary technicians.
Ask Your Pharmacist Week 2006 is an initiative of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia with the support of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia and the National Association of Pharmacy Students of Australia.
Media Contact: Alex Kouttab 0417 541 465
