In an open letter to Federal and State Health ministers and Ahpra and the National Boards, the group said its central message is about the safe expansion of prescribing authority.
The open letter is supported by The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges, the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners, and the Australian Medical Association, among others.
In response, the PGA said people in Australia need access to safe and accessible care for everyday health conditions.
“Enabling specially trained pharmacists to examine, diagnose and treat patients means more people getting the care they need, when and where they need it,” a PGA spokesperson said.
People first
The PGA said it agrees that safety, connected care and accountability are critical.
“It's exactly what we're working towards through the national framework process,” the PGA spokesperson said.
Pharmacists are already able to prescribe in the UK, Canada and New Zealand.
International evidence, as well as recent University of Newcastle findings, shows pharmacist prescribing is safe and effective, the PGA said.
“GPs and pharmacists, as highly trained health professionals, work together every day to improve the health of our communities,” the PGA spokesperson said.
“Prescribing pharmacists operate within strict treatment protocols after they have completed significant additional training.
“There have been zero cases of malpractice or referrals to Aphra.”
For conditions like shingles, ear infections and UTIs, early diagnoses and treatment reduces significant complications, the PGA said.
“Community pharmacists are stepping up to deliver safe and accessible care.”
