THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Queensland Branch President, Chris Owen, has welcomed a new commitment by the Miles Labor government to allow community pharmacists to treat 17 common health conditions as part of their permanent practice.
These include ear infections, hormonal contraception, nausea, and mild skin conditions, as well as offering timely healthcare access, especially in rural and regional areas where pharmacists are often the only option.
Owen (pictured top right) praised the move, saying it demonstrates trust in the profession and will help alleviate pressure on emergency departments.
"One in three patients in Queensland's EDs could be treated by a pharmacist," he noted, adding that with most Queenslanders living near a pharmacy, this initiative offers a valuable alternative to long GP waits or hospital visits.
Owen also pointed out that pharmacies are the most frequently accessed healthcare destinations, with Australians visiting 18 times per year on average.
"Queensland continues to lead the way in expanding pharmacists' scope of practice," Owen said, comparing the initiative to similar programs in countries like England and New Zealand.
The announcement was made this week by Health Minister Shannon Fentiman, who emphasised the importance of improving healthcare accessibility, particularly for women and those in remote areas.
"We're committed to bringing world-class healthcare closer to home," Fentiman said, highlighting the expertise of pharmacists and their ability to provide more affordable and accessible care.
This decision follows the success of the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot, launched in Apr 2024, which allowed trained community pharmacists to treat 17 everyday and five chronic conditions. JG
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