Doctors Criticise Victorian Government’s Plan to Allow Pharmacists to Prescribe Drug

A Pharmacy is seen in Melbourne, Australia, on Sept/ 29, 2021. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

Medical professionals have criticised the Victorian government’s new election promise to permit pharmacists in the Australian state to prescribe antibiotics and refill prescriptions due to the risks of increasing antibiotic resistance and misdiagnoses.

In a recent re-election pitch, Premier Daniel Andrews announced that the Labor government would spend $19 million (US$12.8 million) on a 12-month pilot project that grants local pharmacists the ability to treat minor health conditions if it won the election.

However, Australian Medical Association (AMA) Vice President Dr. Danielle McMullen said the plan was a “slap in the face” to general practitioners, adding that she did not support any program boosting drug prescription practice due to the threat of antibiotic resistance to patients’ health.

“It does put antimicrobial resistance at risk. It puts women on the pill at risk,” McMullen said in comments obtained by AAP.

“Prescribing medication is more than just clicking ‘print’. For every prescription that we write, it really is a consideration of that person’s whole health care picture.”

A pharmacist is seen preparing a Covid-19 vaccine at the Pharmacy 4 Less M-City Clayton in Melbourne, Australia, on July 11, 2022. Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images

AMA President Stephen Robson also warned that such a scheme would fragment patient care and cause adverse health outcomes, citing the number of cases of misdiagnosis and complications suffered by Queensland patients receiving treatments from pharmacists in an AMA report.

“At least six pregnant women were sold antibiotics that are unsafe in the first trimester. One of them had a potentially life-threatening ectopic pregnancy,” he said.

“At least nine patients ended up in hospital with sepsis or kidney and bladder infections due to ineffective or delayed treatment.”

What the Pilot Program Is About?

Under the project, pharmacists in Victoria could prescribe medicines for minor health issues, such as common skin conditions, and administer travel and other public vaccinations.

They will also be allowed to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) and refill prescriptions for contraceptives.

The Victorian government would cover all the fees, with pharmacists receiving $20 for each consultation.

Patients only have to pay the current Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme co-payment for any medications required.

“Community pharmacists have a wealth of knowledge and experience. It just makes sense to expand their role,” Andrews said.

“It will ensure Victorians can get the timely care they need while saving families money and taking the pressure off GPs.”

Meanwhile, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victorian branch president Anthony Tassone welcomed the news, saying the pilot would provide improved healthcare outcomes for patients across the state.

“Allowing pharmacists to provide women antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections and repeat prescriptions for oral-contraceptive therapy will provide choice and increase access to care that women need and reduce hospital presentations,” Tassone said.

He also noted that while the pilot was new for Victoria, it had been implemented in New Zealand, parts of Canada and the United Kingdom for some years.

The announcement came after the New South Wales government introduced a similar plan, allowing pharmacists in the state to prescribe medication without approval from doctors from Nov. 14.