Indigenous Health Services Pharmacy Support Program
What we do
The aim of the IHSPS Program is to improve Quality Use of Medicines (QUM) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by providing funding directly to ACCHOs and other Indigenous Health Services for the purchase of a range of QUM Support activities.
The four broad QUM Support Categories include:
- Pharmacist Support
- QUM devices
- QUM education
- Patient Transport
To be eligible to participate in the new program, a health service must:
Be funded by the Department’s Indigenous Health Division for the provision of primary healthcare services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; OR
Be an IHS approved to participate in the Remote Area Aboriginal Health Service (RAAHS) Program.
How we contribute to solutions
NACCHO provides program support to ACCHOs who participate in the program with advice on utilising funds and deliverables of the program.
If you have any questions about the program, please contact the NACCHO Medicines Team at qum@naccho.org.au.
More information regarding the IHSPS Program can be found here.
Our impact
- Improved Quality Use of Medicines (QUM):
The program supports QUM services provided by ACCHOs and Service Providers, ensuring that medicines are used safely and effectively. - Enhanced Access to Pharmacist Support:
By integrating pharmacists into primary healthcare teams, the program has improved medication management and chronic disease outcomes. Pharmacists provide direct support, education, and advocacy for patients. - Better Health Outcomes:
The integration of pharmacists has led to significant improvements in medication adherence and control of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
- Culturally Appropriate Care:
The program emphasizes culturally safe practices, ensuring that healthcare services are tailored to meet the cultural and health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. - Capacity Building:
The program has also focused on building capacity within the pharmacy sector by providing training and support for pharmacists working in Indigenous Health Services. - Support for Remote Areas:
The program provides additional allowance for remote services to overcome the challenges of QUM in remote settings.
Our approach
In collaboration with the IHSPS project officer, the NACCHO medicines team leverages their extensive experience of the sector to assist members in maximizing the utilization of their IHSPS funding. They provide expert guidance on optimizing resources and capitalizing on their extensive network to enhance support ACCHOs.
ACCHO locations
NACCHO oversees a network of 146 members, each running Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) across urban, regional, and remote Australia. These ACCHOs range from large facilities with multiple healthcare professionals providing comprehensive services to smaller centres focused on preventive care and health education, primarily delivered by Aboriginal Health Workers and nurses.
Contact
For any inquiries or further information about the Medicines and Pharmacy team at: medicines@naccho.org.au.
