VICTORIAN Premier, Daniel Andrews' $19 million pre-election commitment to deliver a 12-month pilot expanding pharmacists' scope of practice is being welcomed by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
Under the proposal, pharmacists in Victoria will be authorised to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and minor skin conditions, reissue contraceptive prescriptions and administer a broader range of vaccination services from 01 Jul 2023, if Labor is re-elected this weekend.
The pilot would also see the State Government pay pharmacies $20 for each patient consultation, limiting patients' out-of-pocket expenses to the cost of any prescribed medications.
Guild Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone, said the scheme would provide improved healthcare outcomes for patients.
"Allowing pharmacists to provide women antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections and repeat prescriptions for oral-contraceptive therapy will provide choice and increase access to care that women need and reduce hospital presentations," he said.
"Pharmacists are highly skilled and qualified medicines experts, who already assess, diagnose and treat common conditions every day.
"Authorising pharmacists to treat uncomplicated UTIs and issue repeat oral contraceptive prescriptions is a practical step that will help relieve the burden on our overstretched health system and ensure women have access to the routine healthcare services they need."
However, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Victorian Chair, Dr Anita Munoz, criticised the planned pilot, describing it as a "band-aid plan" to tackle the shortage of GPs in the State.
"It is disappointing to hear decision-makers oversimplify and minimise the important function of the GP in consultations involving repeat prescriptions of the contraceptive pill, travel medicine discussions or diagnosing a UTI," she said.
"Pharmacists don't have the training and expertise to make these calls and pregnancy, cancer, genital infections, and undiagnosed diabetes can also cause similar symptoms to a UTI.
"Unlike pharmacists, a GP will take a full history, perform dipstick urine testing and physical examinations as well as pathology urine testing as needed."
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