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Baxter Healthcare has announced two new projects that will bolster Australia's medical supply chain and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islandereducation and health programs.
The country's only local manufacturer of intravenous (IV) medical fluids will expand itsoperations in Western Sydney with funding support from the New South Wales Government's Job Plus program.
It has also teamed up with Western Sydney Universityto set up a nursing scholarship that helps tackleinequities in healthcare for Indigenous communities.
Baxter's expanded facility in Old Toongabbie – featuring a new production filling line for IV medical fluids – is expected to create approximately 80 new advanced manufacturing jobs,in addition to roles involved in its construction.
As well as strengthening the national supply chain, it will also boost exports of Australian-made medicines to the Oceania region.
"Baxter IV medicines are the backbone of medication delivery in the ICU, oncologywards, emergency rooms and operating theatres across Australia and the South Pacific," said Steven Flynn, General Manager for Baxter Australia and New Zealand.
"As Australia's only local manufacturer of IV medical fluids, Baxter is committed to supporting our hospitals and healthcare professionals with reliable supply of medicines during the pandemic and beyond."
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Meanwhile, Baxter announced its new education initiative on International Nurse's Day – 12 May 2021.
The Baxter Healthcare Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarship in Nursing will sponsortwo final-year Indigenous students at Western Sydney University's School of Nursing andMidwifery.
The scholarships are worth $9,000 per student, while Baxter and the university will also award $2,000 to support an Aboriginal and Torres Strait student completing the Graduate Certificate in Child and Family Health in partnership with Karitane.
"Community-led health programs and the voice of local Indigenous communities are essential toclosing the gap on health inequalities among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples," Mr Flynn said.
"Our partnership with Western Sydney University aims to help remove barriers and empowerIndigenous communities to develop and lead programs that meet their needs."
Baxter is an APHA Major Sponsor.
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