A report called Rewriting the Script prepared by HTANALYSTS, an Australian healthcare consultancy, has found pharmacist prescribing in Australia could prevent some 30,000 hospitalisations each year, largely by improving access to early treatment. GP numbers are not keeping pace with increasing demand from an aging population with increasing numbers of chronic diseases. And people are feeling the impact. At the same time, the report says 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. 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.
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.
