Patients are warned about a plan to alleviate GP workload by utilizing pharmacies
A proposal in New South Wales (NSW) to expand pharmacists’ abilities to treat more conditions aims to alleviate the workload on overburdened GPs. However, the peak body representing GPs has criticized the plan, warning of potential risks to people’s health.
Under the proposed scheme, pharmacists may soon be authorized to prescribe treatments for ailments such as ear infections, nausea, and acne, in an effort to relieve pressure on GPs. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park announced on Sep. 6 that this expanded scope of treatment could be implemented by 2026 to address the shortage of doctors.
This initiative would require additional training for pharmacists, building upon an existing program that already allows for the delivery of prescriptions for urinary tract infections through pharmacies.
“It’s my responsibility to explore different avenues for people to access healthcare and to alleviate the burden on our healthcare system,” Park stated.
However, Rebekah Hoffman, Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners in NSW, criticized the plan as irresponsible and driven by political motives.
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Hoffman expressed concerns about the potential dangers of misdiagnosis and emphasized the complexity of diagnosing health conditions, which necessitates years of medical training that cannot be replaced by short courses for pharmacists.
Proposed changes would allow NSW pharmacists to address conditions such as middle-ear infections, minor wounds, nausea, vomiting, certain gastro-oesophageal issues, mild to moderate acne, and mild acute musculoskeletal pain.
Park defended the plan, stating that it would relieve the strain on GPs and overcrowded emergency departments in the state. He highlighted the community’s trust in pharmacists and the importance of providing accessible healthcare.
David Heffernan, President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia’s NSW branch, welcomed the initiative, citing the convenience it would bring to patients in need of timely treatment for common ailments.
Similar initiatives in other regions, such as the Northern Territory (NT), have faced opposition from GP groups citing concerns over patient safety and regulatory compliance. Despite these criticisms, pilot programs for pharmacy prescriptions are already in progress in Queensland.
