That’s according to a report called Rewriting the Script prepared by HTANALYSTS, an Australian healthcare consultancy.
The new modelling also found pharmacist prescribing could prevent some 30,000 hospitalisations each year, largely by improving access to early treatment.
Increasing demand
GP numbers are not keeping pace with increasing demand from an aging population with increasing numbers of chronic diseases.
Patients are already feeling the impact. A nationally representative survey conducted by research firm Insightfully found 38 percent of people contacted said the wait to see a GP was unacceptable and 16 percent said they waited three weeks or more for an appointment.
At the same time, one in four Australians regularly seeks health advice from their pharmacist, and on average people visit a community pharmacy every three weeks.
Rewriting the script
The HTANALYSTS modelling assessed pharmacist prescribing across four common areas including asthma, cardiovascular risk reduction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hormonal contraception.
Even across this limited scope, the impact is significant.
Empowering specially trained pharmacists to prescribe for appropriate conditions improves access, reduces wait times and delivers system-wide savings — all without compromising safety.
PGA National President Professor Trent Twomey
In addition to more than AUD 1-billion in annual system savings, pharmacist prescribing would free millions of GP appointments — allowing GPs to focus on patients with more complex needs.
The report also found pharmacist prescribing could prevent more than 30,000 hospital admissions each year, including avoidable emergency department presentations.
HTANALYSTS principal Irene Deltetto said the benefits extend beyond budget lines.
“Behind every dollar saved is a patient who waited less time — or avoided hospital altogether,” she said.
Pharmacist prescribing already operates in parts of Australia, but programs remain inconsistent and fragmented.
The report calls for:
- nationally aligned prescribing authority for endorsed pharmacists
- integrated digital systems to support real-time information sharing
- sustainable funding for pharmacist consultations and PBS medicines
PGA's National President Professor Trent Twomey said the modelling should act as a catalyst for reform.
“Empowering specially trained pharmacists to prescribe for appropriate conditions improves access, reduces wait times and delivers system-wide savings — all without compromising safety,” he said.
