Pharmacy Daily | PD breaking news – NT pharmacists to play greater role

Legislation has been passed by the Northern Territory Parliament that will see community pharmacists play a greater role in the delivery of healthcare in the jurisdiction. 

The Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Legislation Amendment Bill 2022, addresses barriers to the supply and regulation of scheduled substances, NT Health Minister, Natasha Fyles said. 

The NT Government said the legislation will allow “pharmacists to appropriately supply medicines where they are the ones best placed to do so”. 

“We are ensuring that medicines can be supplied and given to Territorians in a timely manner, wherever there is a clinical need – as we saw with covid vaccinations,” Fyles said.

“This Bill will also further regulate the supply of nicotine vaping products.”

Pharmacy Guild of Australian NT Branch President, Peter Hatswell, welcomed the passage of the legislation. 

“This is also a welcome recognition that pharmacists are trained and skilled to provide these services and this decision will enhance patient care by increasing their access to the best possible health services,” he said.