Pharmacists’ Role in Chronic Illness Management

Pharmacists’ Role in Chronic Illness Management

Easing the strain that chronic illnesses put on the national health system has become a priority, with media reports this week highlighting that the number of Australians aged 65 and older – about 14 per cent of the population last year – is expected exceed 22 per cent by 2050.

Treasury projections show health spending on people older than 65 is expected to increase sevenfold in the 40-year period, while spending on people over 85 will grow 12-fold. On top of this, life expectancy has soared. From 1881 to 1890, life expectancy was 47.2 years, and 50.8 for women but has now risen to79.3 years for men and 83.9 years for women.

As a result, the role of pharmacists in helping to contain the cost of chronic illness has never been more important, according to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.