CLOSING THE GAP
And How To Close
Why Did The Government Decide to Close The Gap
Key aspects of Closing the Gap include:
Targets: The strategy has specific targets relating to life expectancy, child mortality, access to early childhood education, literacy and numeracy, Year 12 attainment, school attendance, and employment outcomes. Unfortunately, as of 2019, only two of the seven targets – early childhood education and Year 12 attainment – were met
.
National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA): Established in 2019, the NIAA took over reporting and high-level strategy responsibilities. It works with the Coalition of Peaks, representing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations, as well as state, territory, and local governments
.
Collaborative Approach: The approach involves greater collaboration between governments and Indigenous organisations, aiming for a whole-of-government approach with shared accountability for progress
.
2020 Targets: The revised targets aim to address multiple areas, including families, children and youth, health, education, economic development, housing, justice, land and water rights, and cross-system priorities addressing racism, discrimination, social inclusion, healing and trauma, and the promotion of culture and language for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
.
Funding: In August 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a new implementation plan worth A$1 billion towards meeting these targets by 2031. This funding includes a significant portion for a compensation and healing fund for Stolen Generations survivors, as well as funds for health clinics, rehabilitation programs, job creation, justice measures, and remote boarding schools
.
Close The Gap Through Your Local Doctor
Your Doctors Prescriptions Show Your Closed The Gap
When a doctor issues a medical prescription, it often includes a unique serial number or prescription number. This number serves several important purposes:
Patient Identification and Safety: The serial number helps link the prescription to a specific patient. This is crucial for ensuring that the correct medication is dispensed to the right person. It also aids in tracking the patient’s medication history, which is important for safety and for monitoring potential drug interactions or allergies.
Pharmacy Records: Pharmacies use the serial number to maintain records of dispensed medications. This is part of their inventory management and also allows pharmacists to quickly access a patient’s medication history if needed.
Regulatory Compliance and Tracking: In many countries, the dispensing of certain medications is strictly regulated, especially controlled substances. The serial number helps in tracking these medications to prevent misuse and illegal distribution. It also assists in regulatory compliance, as pharmacies and healthcare providers are often required to maintain detailed records of prescriptions.
Refills and Verification: The number can be used to verify the authenticity of a prescription and manage refills. If a prescription is eligible for refills, the serial number helps the pharmacy track how many refills have been dispensed and how many remain.
Insurance and Billing: The serial number is often used for insurance claims and billing purposes. It helps in processing claims and ensures that insurance providers are billed for the correct medications.
Error Prevention: The use of a unique serial number reduces the risk of prescription errors. It provides a clear and unambiguous reference that can be easily checked and verified.
In summary, the serial number on a medical prescription is a critical component of patient care and medication management, ensuring accuracy, safety, and regulatory compliance.
On a prescription there are patient medicare number and next line down is the Pharmaceutical benefits entitlement no line which if you are aboriginal will have two lots of numbers in it the second numbers, is:
CTG03H
This is the serial number for aboriginals who have closed the Gap with their local doctor
In Australia, the Closing the Gap (CTG) Prescription Supply Scheme aims to improve access to affordable medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Under this scheme, eligible patients can receive medications at a reduced cost or for free. The specific rules and guidelines for pharmacists when supplying drugs to patients with a CTG prescription include the following key points:
Eligibility Verification: Pharmacists must verify the eligibility of patients for the CTG scheme. This involves checking if the patient is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent and if they have a valid CTG prescription, which should be marked with “CTG” by the prescriber.
Supplying Medication: Once eligibility is confirmed, pharmacists should supply the medication as per the prescription. The cost of the medication is significantly reduced under the CTG scheme, and in many cases, the medication may be free.
Denying Discounted Prices: Generally, pharmacists should not deny eligible patients the discounted prices under the CTG scheme. If a patient presents a valid CTG prescription and meets the eligibility criteria, they are entitled to receive their medication at the reduced price.
Record Keeping and Compliance: Pharmacists are required to maintain accurate records and comply with the guidelines set by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and the CTG scheme. This ensures that the subsidies are correctly applied and that the scheme is used appropriately.
Professional Discretion: In rare circumstances, a pharmacist may use professional discretion if there are concerns about the validity of the prescription, patient eligibility, or potential misuse of medications. However, these instances are exceptional and should be handled with care, adhering to professional and ethical guidelines.
Patient Rights and Grievances: Patients who feel they have been wrongly denied access to discounted medication under the CTG scheme have the right to raise their concerns. They can contact the pharmacy’s management, the Pharmacy Board of Australia, or other relevant authorities.