NT pharmacies: CLP one-ups Labor on expanding services at community pharmacies

The CLP has pledged $1m every two years to enable community pharmacists to undergo training in order to treat an expanded suite of illnesses, such as UTIs, school sores, asthma and hypertension, preventing the need for costly GP visits. Their policy explained.

Lia Finocchiaro and Port of Darwin candidate Robyn Cahill at Blooms The Chemist Darwin Galleria, July 24, 2024. Picture: Alex Treacy

The Country Liberal Party has matched and bettered Territory Labor moves to make it easier for local pharmacies to treat common illnesses, pledging to expedite the process by legislating to allow additional treatments immediately if they form government.

On Wednesday, Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro rolled out her party’s NT Community Pharmacy Scope of Program policy, which would involve bringing additional health services to 42 community pharmacies across the state.

Up to 21 common conditions, including urinary tract infection, school sores, shingles, asthma, swimmer’s ear and hypertension, could be treated at pharmacies under the policy.

The policy would be backed up with $1 million in ongoing funding every two years to enable community pharmacists to undertake year-long courses in treating the ailments.

The training would be delivered in partnership with Charles Darwin University.

Ms Finocchiaro committed her party to allowing UTI treatments at community pharmacies within 100 days of election, while treatment for the other conditions would follow after pharmacists complete their year-long course.

She said the policy was informed by similar moves in other jurisdictions such as New South Wales and Victoria, where pharmacies delivered a combined 16,000 UTI treatments after implementing their policies, according to CLP figures.

“By allowing patients greater choice in where and how they access healthcare, we will also see pressure taken off emergency departments in our hospitals,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

The CLP said in a statement the policy’s chief aim was to “supplement, not replace, existing primary care services, giving patients more choice to access the healthcare they need”.

The proposal would require legislation to be put before the Legislative Assembly.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia NT Branch president Peter Hatswell endorsed the proposal, as he did for Labor’s previously announced version.

Earlier this month, Territory Labor said it would undertake a round of community consultation before making its move on expanding services at community pharmacies.

NT government proposed changes to allow more medicines available without a script

July 10: Pharmacists will be able to provide medications to Territorians without a script under a plan to expand their powers.

The NT government is asking the community for feedback on an approach that will see chemists provide treatment for simple ailments.

The move comes after similar trials interstate and aims to take the pressure off the health system by making sone medication available without having to see a doctor first.

The changes will include greater access to treatment for acute nausea and vomiting, school sores and ear infections.

Certain medications could soon be available without a trip to the doctors. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The future of changes to the role of community pharmacists could also include more vaccines available and providing medications in case of emergency when a prescription runs out or lost drugs.

Chief Minister Eva Lawler said there were 43 community pharmacies across Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs that would be impacted by the proposed changes.

“Wherever you live in the Territory we want to make gaining access to much needed medicines easier,” she said.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia Northern Territory Branch President Peter Hatswell said the move would improve health outcomes for all Territorians.

“We applaud the NT government’s decision to expand pharmacy services,” he said.

“This will significantly enhance healthcare access for Territorians, particularly in remote areas where medical services can be limited. It’s a positive step towards better health outcomes for our community.”

Health Minister Selena Uibo thinks the move would improve access to health for all Territorians. Picture: Supplied

Health Minister Selena Uibo said any and all feedback would be taken on board from July 10.

“The Lawler Labor government is about making sure Territorians get the best care and is current with reforms across the country – that is why we want to give Territorians the opportunity to voice out how pharmacy services could improve streamline access to treatments for simple health conditions,” she said.

An NT News poll from 2022 of almost 200 readers revealed more than 75 per cent were in favour of allowing pharmacists to prescribe drugs over the counter.

At the time Royal Australian College of General Practitioners NT chair Sam Heard said the move would work well for where there are serious GP shortages, but was also concerned about continuity of care and over-medicating.

Territorians can submit their feedback until 7 August via haveyoursaynt.gov.au.