GPs and pharmacists at odds over push to allow pharmacists to prescribe

A shortage of GPs and strain on the healthcare system has prompted a push to allow pharmacists to prescribe some medications.

National cabinet will today consider the idea, which has received support from both sides of politics.

But doctors and pharmacists are at odds over the idea.

President of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Nicole Higgins, says pharmacists don’t have the training required.

“The skill of general practice is really knowing when not to prescribe. Pharmacists are taught to give drugs,” she told Neil Mitchell.

Press PLAY below to hear why a GP opposes the idea

She took aim at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and labelled the idea “a business grab”.

“The Guild is one of the biggest political donors and they expect a return on investment,” Dr Higgins said.

President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Trent Twomey, said he wouldn’t “engage in cheap shots”, but believes pharmacists should be given permission to prescribe some medications such as contraceptive pills, asthma preventative medication and short courses of antibiotics.

“We’ve proven ourselves over the course of the pandemic,” he said.

Press PLAY below to hear a pharmacist’s case for gaining additional responsibilities