Excited about the future under Rudd: Guild

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has congratulated the incoming Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and the Australian Labor Party on their election victory.

Guild president, Kos Sclavos, said the Guild looked forward to further developing its relationship with Mr Rudd, as well as his Cabinet ministers.

"I am very fortunate to live in Kevin Rudd’s Griffith electorate, and as a result already have a strong working relationship with him. I know he will be an excellent Prime Minister and is committed to ensuring all Australians have access to the best possible health services," Mr Sclavos said.

"Mr Rudd has gone on the record many times to express his support and respect for the role of community pharmacy in Australia, particularly in terms of primary and preventive health care. He has also clearly outlined his support for the current system of community pharmacy. I know Mr Rudd appreciates the vast potential of community pharmacies to enhance and increase the range of health care services we provide to all Australians," he said.

Mr Rudd and then shadow health minister, Nicola Roxon, had written to community pharmacists during the election campaign, outlining their commitments to maintaining and expanding the important health care role of pharmacists.

"Labor remains committed to the Community Pharmacy Agreement process and the PBS reform package. The new Government does not support pharmacies in supermarkets and will maintain current pharmacy ownership rules," Mr Sclavos said.

26-Nov-2007