THE Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is being accused of "trying to scare people" with its response to the Qld Government's decision to trial pharmacist prescribing (PD 18 Apr).
Responding to the news that Queensland pharmacists will be empowered to prescribe antibiotics for certain conditions and the contraceptive pill, RACGP President, Dr Harry Nespolon, warned patients would be put at risk.
"It's quite simple," he said.
"Pharmacists don't have the medical training required to safely deliver these critical healthcare services. The Queensland Government is thumbing its nose at antibiotic stewardship."
Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian Branch President, Anthony Tassone, rejected the College's claims, and suggested the RACGP may need to consider its approach to government relations.
"Not sure condemnation and slurs of government departments 'thumbing their nose' is going to make friends and influence people.
"Once you're finished hyperventilating and trying to scare people let us know and we can work together for patient care."
Meanwhile, one Twitter user suggested the R in RACGP stood for Recalcitrant.
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