ASMI congratulates PSA Leadership Team
23 June 2016
The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) today congratulated Joe Demarte on his re-election as National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA), and Michelle Lynch and Dr Chris Freeman, who were elected as PSA Vice-Presidents.
ASMI Chief Executive Officer, Deon Schoombie, said: “Joe Demarte has demonstrated strong leadership of the PSA during the last year and he is making an immensely valuable contribution to the pharmacy profession.
“ASMI has worked closely with the PSA for many years and we greatly value our relationship with the PSA Team.
“We wish Joe, Michelle and Chris all the best and we look forward to continuing our work with them,” he said.
ASMI welcomes Opposition’s Commitment to Preventive Health
20 June 2016
The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) welcomed the Federal Opposition’s proposed $300 million, four-year preventive health package to reduce obesity and preventable lifestyle illnesses.
ASMI’s Chief Executive Officer, Deon Schoombie, said: “The Opposition’s pledge to allocate funding to preventive health initiatives that encourage Australians to eat a more balanced diet, exercise more, and reduce smoking rates and alcohol consumption is timely.
“Australia’s current model of healthcare delivery is under immense pressure due to demographic changes such as an ageing population and increasing rates of obesity and chronic preventable diseases.
“The escalating cost of healthcare and increasing burden of chronic disease are forcing Australia’s Federal and State governments to rethink models of healthcare to put healthcare spending on a more sustainable trajectory.
“The Australian health system should encourage people to take greater responsibility for preventing lifestyle illnesses and managing minor ailments and chronic conditions.
“Greater emphasis on preventive health will improve personal health outcomes, reduce Medicare and PBS costs, make better use of health resources and ease the pressure on healthcare budgets,” he added.
ASMI congratulates new NZSMI President
17 June 2016
The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) congratulated Mitch Cuevas, the General Manager of API Consumer Brands in New Zealand, on his election as President of the New Zealand Self Medication Industry (NZSMI).
ASMI Chief Executive Officer, Deon Schoombie, welcomed Mr Cuevas, saying: “Mitch Cuevas has a distinguished record of achievement in the New Zealand consumer healthcare products industry and will make an immense contribution to the sector during his term as NZSMI President. He will provide strong leadership and drive innovation and investment in the industry.
“ASMI and NZSMI have a long history of collaboration. Over the years we have joined forces on several projects impacting the regulatory framework for OTC and complementary medicines and sustainable growth of the sector in Australia and New Zealand.
“The consumer healthcare products industry is growing strongly in Australia and New Zealand and there are many exciting opportunities on the horizon for ASMI and NZSMI. We welcome and look forward to working with Mr Cuevas to fully realise the potential of these opportunities,” said Mr Schoombie.