13 January 2010

Health academics, health workers and policy makers from the Asia-Pacific region are invited to apply for a scholarship to attend the prestigious National Medicines Symposium in Australia in May 2010.

The symposium is a biennial event hosted by the National Prescribing Service (NPS), an independent, not-for-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.

NPS runs programs to help consumers and healthcare providers make the best decisions about medicines, to achieve better health and economic outcomes. The National Medicines Symposium is a key part of its education program for health professionals and policy makers.

“I am delighted to announce that NPS will once again offer a scholarship for someone from the Asia-Pacific region to attend the 2010 National Medicines Symposium,” NPS acting CEO, Karen Kaye said.

“Many countries in the Asia-Pacific face similar medicines use issues as Australia, and we can all benefit from sharing our knowledge and experiences.”

The 2010 National Medicines Symposium brings together everyone involved with medicines use, including primary healthcare providers, specialists, policy makers, academics, medical writers, consumers and international experts. It provides the opportunity to share expertise, experience and opinion, and benefit from discussion with industry peers.

“The theme of this year’s Symposium is Medicines in people’s lives, and we will explore this in the context of our changing health environment. The impact of health system reforms, expanding roles for non-medical prescribers and the important role of consumers in medicines decisions are key issues that will addressed over the three days,” Ms Kaye said.

The scholarship recipient will receive complimentary registration to the 2010 National Medicines Symposium and up to $5000 (AUD) to cover travel, accommodation and expenses. The Symposium is being held in Melbourne, Australia from 26-28 May 2010.

Applicants must meet all the general eligibility requirements and be working in a research, teaching, practice or policy role to support rational drug use in their country. The winner will provide an oral presentation of their work as part of a concurrent session at the symposium.

Applications close 19 February 2010. The winner will be announced by 5 March 2010. For more information including the application documentation visit www.nms2010.org.au

ENDS

The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation for quality use of medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.