A new program aimed at achieving better health outcomes in our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community was launched today at Mackay Base Hospital.
The Better Medication Access program will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients across the Mackay Hospital and Health Service access to any prescribed medications at no cost.
Uncle Gary Mooney provided the Welcome to Country and spoke about the hospital working with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to develop programs such as these to improve health and wellbeing outcomes. Pastor Henry Kennell delivered the Torres Strait Islander blessing and spoke of the importance of health equity and closing the gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Mackay HHS Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Kerry Maley officially launched the program.
“We know that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience disproportionately incidence of acute and chronic diseases resulting in increased disability and poor health outcomes,” she said.
“Significantly greater and more complex and chronic diseases, requires management with expensive medications. This is a financial barrier preventing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to access the preventative health care they need.”
The event was attended by Mackay HHS Acting Chief Executive Nick Steele, Executive Director of Operations Jenny Farley, the Mackay Health Equity Advisory Group, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit and the Mackay Base Hospital pharmacy.
The Better Medication Access Program provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with access to free medication at the Mackay Base Hospital Pharmacy following discharge from the Emergency Department, inpatient unit or following an outpatient appointment with a hospital prescription.
