PGA Newsletter – Vol.2 No.16 2nd May,2012

Harm minimisation in community pharmacy

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s Victoria Branch and independent not-for-profit health organisation Anex will sign a 
Memorandum of Understanding at Martin Didzys’ Pharmacy in Altona tomorrow.

Both organisations are committed to working collaboratively to improve responses to the problems arising from 
the use of illicit drugs and misuse of pharmaceuticals. The MOU formalises an already close working relationship 
between the two organisations. Anex has been delivering training and education for the Needle and Syringe 
Program in Victoria since 1996. 

The Guild and Anex will advocate for the implementation of effective strategies to reduce the potential harm to the 
individual and to society associated with alcohol and other drugs.
Anex CEO John Ryan said pharmacist Martin Didzys was one of the Victorian leaders in assisting drug users 
stabilise themselves through Opioid Replacement Therapy (ORT).
“There are shortages of ORT prescribers and dispensing pharmacists right across Victoria, and in Australia. ORT helps 
reduce crime rates, overdoses, and gets people on the path of recovery,” Mr Ryan said.

“Community pharmacy’s involvement in the needle and syringe program helps prevent blood borne viruses in the 
community.”Anex and the Guild are committed to increasing the number of community pharmacies involved in the harm 
minimisation programs. President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victoria, George Tambassis, said: “I am delighted 
that the Guild is able to continue working with Anex who do a terrific job promoting harm reduction in many 
ways.”Both will continue to work for better health outcomes through the delivery of training programs aimed at improving 
understanding and responses to issues that arise from problematic use of illicit drugs, medicines and alcohol.

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PGA Newsletter – Vol.2 No.16 2nd May,2012