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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The expanded pilot program will allow pharmacists to treat certain skin conditions, ear infections and asthma.<\/p>\n
Currently pharmacists can treat urinary tract infections, re-supply oral contraceptives and administer certain vaccines.<\/p>\n
WA Health Minister Meredith Hammat announced the program’s expansion on Monday, saying it would provide people with more options to access health care.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Meredith Hammat says the training program will help ease the pressure on hospitals and GPs.\u00a0 (ABC News: Keane Bourke)<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
“GPs will continue to play a really important role in the healthcare system,” she later told reporters on Monday.<\/p>\n
“As we know it can be really challenging at the moment for people to get an appointment with their GP.”<\/p>\n
Ms Hammat said during consultation, the Australian Medical Association and the College of Royal General Practitioners had raised concerns about the program.<\/p>\n
“Our focus is on making sure the program is safe and effective,” she said.<\/p>\n
The qualification will be issued by universities and is expected to take 12 months to complete, with graduates receiving a certificate in pharmaceutical prescribing.<\/p>\n
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