Pharmacies push for permission to treat patients
PHARMACIES are pushing to take the strain off Queensland’s ailing public health system by offering extended health services, in a move that is set to spark a turf war with doctors.
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PHARMACIES will take the strain off an ailing public health system under a leading lobby group’s submission to the State Government.
An independent body would also be established to crack down on chemist mega chains, in what is described as a “David vs. Goliath” battle.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has called on the State Government to “protect” the future of community health services through their parliamentary inquiry, bringing Queensland into line with other states.
Pharmacies would be able to provide regular health services, such as the treatment of minor ailments, and provide continuing prescription medicine to patients without the need for them to return to a doctor each time.
In their submission to the inquiry, which is set to spark a turf war between pharmacists and doctors, the guild says across Queensland there are more than 1100 community pharmacies owned by pharmacists who provide essential health care and advice.
Kos Sclavos, vice-president of the guild’s Queensland branch, said allowing pharmacies to provide extensive health care would improve regional health outcomes.
“There’s more demand than ever on our health system. Extending the scope of practice would allow pharmacists to provide much-needed services to patients by working with doctors and other health professionals,” he said.
In slapping down the threat of potential ownership from mega chains such as Coles and Woolworths, Mr Sclavos said they would not provide the same level of care.
The Courier-Mail has previously revealed Health Minister Steven Miles is open to the idea of expanding the role of pharmacists.
Queensland was the first state to allow pharmacies to vaccinate against the flu but other states, including South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria, now allow a range of other jabs, such as whooping cough vaccinations.
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