{"id":745741,"date":"2026-06-19T02:09:29","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T02:09:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/745741\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T02:09:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T02:09:29","slug":"radical-healthcare-system-shakeup-may-see-paramedics-prescribe-medications-for-pain-and-diabetes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/745741\/","title":{"rendered":"Radical healthcare system shakeup may see paramedics prescribe medications for pain and diabetes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Paramedics could soon be able to prescribe medications for pain and diabetes under new powers being considered by Australian governments.<\/p>\n

But doctors are warning the expansion of prescribing rights is moving too fast and patients could suffer as a result.<\/p>\n

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Paramedics could gain prescription powers amid safety concerns<\/p>\n

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n

In an unusual alliance, a doctor and a pharmacy boss have united to call for stronger safeguards before prescribing powers are expanded to other healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is not a turf war. We\u2019re putting patient safety on the table here,\u201d RACGP Vice President Dr Ramya Raman warned, raising concerns that fragmented care could lead to misdiagnosis and complications.<\/p>\n

\u201cI support pharmacists prescribing however that prescribing needs to be within a framework that is connected to the patient\u2019s healthcare team,\u201d Choice Chemist CEO Michael Bonner said.<\/p>\n

\"NotNot all support paramedics prescribing medications. (Lukas Coch\/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

But other pharmacists disagree with the concerns, arguing the current system is already failing patients.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you\u2019re waiting several weeks to be able to get an appointment then it\u2019s very difficult to fracture care that doesn\u2019t exist,\u201d pharmacist Chris Own said.<\/p>\n

Pharmacies in some states already prescribe medications for UTIs, shingles, ear infections, diabetes, and even the contraceptive pill. Authorities will consider a national approach next month.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt can be performed very safely and certainly to the benefit of all patients,\u201d Owen argued.<\/p>\n

7NEWS understands some governments are already looking at who could be next, with plans to expand prescribing powers to other healthcare professionals including nurses and even paramedics.<\/p>\n

\"TheThe proposal is based on a New Zealand scheme. (Russell Freeman\/AAP PHOTOS) Credit: AAP<\/p>\n

The proposal is modelled off a New Zealand scheme allowing paramedics to prescribe some antibiotics, asthma inhalers, diabetes medication and pain relief.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking at the whole gamut including the work our highly trained paramedics can do because we\u2019ve got pressures on our health system,\u201d NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said.<\/p>\n

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