Response to the Expert Advisory Committee for the Review of the National Medicines Policy
FECCA submitted recommendations to the Expert Advisory Committee for the Review of the National Medicines Policy, advocating for an inclusive, equitable, and culturally informed approach to medicines policy in Australia. FECCA emphasised the need for a multicultural framework to address systemic barriers faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) communities, including language barriers, low health literacy, and limited access to culturally competent care. Key recommendations include integrating cultural competence into the healthcare system, providing robust language and interpreter services, and developing health literacy programs tailored to CALD communities. FECCA also highlighted the importance of usability testing for digital health platforms to improve accessibility and inclusivity in telehealth and telemedicine.
FECCA stressed the critical role of data collection and research to address gaps in understanding the needs of CALD populations, calling for better representation of cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity in health studies and clinical trials. The submission also recommended investment in workforce training to build the cultural competence of health professionals, ensuring they are equipped to deliver effective, culturally appropriate medicines services. By embedding this into the updated National Medicines Policy, Australia can create a healthcare system that better supports its diverse population and addresses inequities in health outcomes for CALD communities.
