New laws means more health providers can provide life saving medicines in the Northern Territory
Some remote Territorians may not need to travel into urban centres to access life saving medicines after the government passed new laws. See how what has changed.
Northern Territory
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Remote communities in the Northern Territory will have greater access to life saving medications after amendments to the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Bill passed parliament with bipartisan support.
The Territory’s geographical expanse means people in remote communities may not always have access to a doctor or pharmacist in the event of an emergency.
However, under the new laws, registered practitioners will be given training and prescribing rights to dispense some medicines used in emergency and general practice like antibiotics, the pill and vaccinations.
During Tuesday’s sittings, Member for Namatjira Bill Yan raised questions about the dispensing of a Nalaxone, or Narcan as it is more commonly known, which is used to reverse the effects of someone experiencing an oxycodone overdoses.
Ms Fyles assured the parliament only three new providers would be given access to the drug to use in the event of emergency, two publicly-funded alcohol and other drugs services and the Northern Territory Aids Hepatitis Council.
Changes to the bill will also bring in supply chain regulation for the sale of vaping products in line with Commonwealth law.
All nicotine vaping products will be by prescription only across all Australian states and territories. It is illegal to import, buy or sell vape or e-liquid without a valid permit or prescription.
Ms Fyles said alongside providing essential medicines where Territorians might need them the bill further regulated the supply of nicotine vaping products.
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Originally published as New laws means more health providers can provide life saving medicines in the Northern Territory
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