NMS 2023 - Session 1: A case for change

Why is appropriate use of medicines important for health and sustainability?
In Australia, health care contributes close to 7% of our nation’s greenhouse gases, with medicines being one of the largest contributors. Pharmaceutical waste throughout the global supply chain can lead to environmental, human, and animal toxicities, and in the case of antibiotic residues, to antimicrobial resistance.
Delivering environmentally sustainable and adaptable health services is critical for all sectors and an important national priority. Incorporating sustainable practices in healthcare settings, including the appropriate use of medicines can improve the safety and quality of care, improve the health of the community, reduce low value care, unwarranted variation and reduce waste.
In this session you will hear about the importance of appropriate use of medicines and its relevance to sustainability for individual, community, national and global perspectives.
This webcast is relevant for health policy and decision makers, managers, clinical colleges, professional associations and consumers.
Hosted by Tegan Taylor, ABC journalist and broadcaster with keynote speakers that include:
Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy, Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians and Assistant Minister for Indigenous Health Conjoint Professor Anne Duggan, Chief Executive Officer, ACSQHC
Professor Paul Kelly, Chief Medical Officer, Department of Health and Aged Care
Professor Nick Watts, Director, Centre for Sustainable Medicine, National University of Singapore
Dr Elizabeth Deveny, Chief Executive Officer, Consumers Health Forum
Conjoint Associate Professor Carolyn Hullick, Emergency Physician and Chief Medical Officer at ACSQHC
Learning outcomes:
Understand the importance of sustainability in the healthcare sector
Understand the concept of appropriate use of medicines and its role in promoting sustainable healthcare
Gain insights about the Commission’s role in promoting appropriate use of medicines and sustainable health care practices
Gain insights about the National Health and Climate Strategy, and it’s role in the provision of value-based care and low emissions medicines
Understand how Australia can work towards a net zero in the use of medicines and healthcare
Identify key consumer issues and understand consumer needs around medicines and environmental sustainability
00:00:28 - Welcome to Country
00:04:03 - Introduction with Master of Ceremonies
00:06:03 - Opening Address - Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy
00:12:03 - Welcome Address: Introducing quality use of medicines (QUM) and the link to sustainability
00:22:25 - Safety, quality, and sustainability in medicines
00:34:15 - Approach to medicines and health system sustainability in the United Kingdom
00:45:48 - Medicines, health and environmental sustainability: the consumer perspective
00:59:51 - Interactive Q&A Session: Improving sustainability in practice