Queenslanders to be able to get the pill without visiting a GP under trial

The pilot program, which permits pharmacists to prescribe drugs for “common health conditions” and administer a wider vary of vaccines than beforehand, was initially deliberate to run solely within the state’s north.

But Health Minister Shannon Fentiman introduced at this time that the trial would now cowl all of Queensland.

In addition to the broader vary of vaccines, pharmacists who be a part of the trial will be capable of prescribe a variety of medicines, together with:

Fentiman mentioned the Australia-first trial, which comes on the again of an identical pilot permitting pharmacists to prescribe therapy for urinary tract infections, would assist tackle medical workers scarcitys and distribution points, however insisted there was no intention of changing present providers.

“This nation-first pharmacy pilot is an innovative way to ensure Queenslanders have access to high-quality and cost-effective primary healthcare,” she mentioned.

“I want all Queenslanders to benefit from innovative models of healthcare, which is why we are expanding this pilot state-wide.

“The UTI Pharmacy Pilot and worldwide proof exhibits that permitting pharmacists to prescribe for widespread circumstances is a protected and environment friendly means to enhance well being outcomes.

“Pharmacists are highly trained and regulated healthcare professionals, and this pilot will ensure their expertise is used to its full scope.

“Pharmacy prescribing fashions of care are used successfully in different nations, together with the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand.

“This will also help address the impacts of workforce shortages and distribution problems, particularly in regional and rural communities.”

The enlargement of the trial has been supported by each the Pharmacy Guild and the Pharmaceutical Society.

The pilot will start in search of pharmacists this yr earlier than it rolls out over 2024 and 2025.

Any pharmacists who participate within the trial are required to bear additional coaching and have suitably non-public consulting areas accessible for sufferers.