Pharmacists in Western Australia now have the opportunity to expand what they can prescribe in a bid to ease pressure on the state’s health system.
The WA government has announced the expansion of a pilot program offering further training for pharmacists, allowing them to diagnose and treat health conditions that would normally require people to visit a GP.
The expanded pilot program will allow pharmacists to treat certain skin conditions, ear infections and asthma.
Currently pharmacists can treat urinary tract infections, re-supply oral contraceptives and administer certain vaccines.
WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat announced the program’s expansion on Monday, saying it would provide people with more options to access health care.
Meredith Hammat says the training program will help ease the pressure on hospitals and GPs. (ABC News: Keane Bourke)
“By enhancing the skills of community pharmacists, we are reducing pressure on hospitals and GPs while giving patients safe, effective care options closer to home,” Ms Hammat said in a statement.
“GPs will continue to play a really important role in the healthcare system,” she later told reporters on Monday.
“As we know it can be really challenging at the moment for people to get an appointment with their GP.”
Ms Hammat said during consultation, the Australian Medical Association and the College of Royal General Practitioners had raised concerns about the program.
“Our focus is on making sure the program is safe and effective,” she said.
The qualification will be issued by universities and is expected to take 12 months to complete, with graduates receiving a certificate in pharmaceutical prescribing.
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