Queenslanders will be able to get a range of medicines, including the contraceptive pill, without having to visit a doctor under an Australia-first statewide trial.
The pilot program, which allows pharmacists to prescribe medicine for "common health conditions" and administer a wider range of vaccines than previously, was initially planned to run only in the state's north.
But Health Minister Shannon Fentiman announced today that the trial would now cover all of Queensland.
In addition to the wider range of vaccines, pharmacists who join the trial will be able to prescribe a range of medications, including:
- The contraceptive pill
- Asthma medication
- Nausea and vomiting medication
- Nasal congestion and runny nose medication
- Mild skin condition treatments
- Some heart disease risk reduction
- Support to quit smoking
Fentiman said the Australia-first trial, which comes on the back of a similar pilot allowing pharmacists to prescribe treatment for urinary tract infections, would help address medical staff shortages and distribution issues, but insisted there was no intention of replacing existing services.
"This nation-first pharmacy pilot is an innovative way to ensure Queenslanders have access to high-quality and cost-effective primary healthcare," she said.
"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 international evidence shows that allowing pharmacists to prescribe for common conditions is a safe and efficient way to improve health outcomes.
"Pharmacists are highly trained and regulated healthcare professionals, and this pilot will ensure their expertise is used to its full scope.
"Pharmacy prescribing models of care are used effectively in other countries, including 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 expansion of the trial has been supported by both the Pharmacy Guild and the Pharmaceutical Society.
The pilot will begin seeking pharmacists this year before it rolls out over 2024 and 2025.
Any pharmacists who take part in the trial are required to undergo extra training and have suitably private consulting spaces available for patients.
