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Convenience can't come at the cost of safety: RACGP calls for safeguards on WA pharmacy pilot

Royal Australian College of GPs

The Royal Australian College GPs (RACGP) has called for guardrails to protect patient safety, following a WA Government announcement that a further 40 pharmacists will commence training this month to diagnose and treat Western Australians for a range of conditions as part of the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot.

RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said GPs support innovation, but any reforms must strike the right balance between improving access and ensuring quality patient care.

“Patients deserve convenience and safety. We support innovation, but diagnosis, follow-up and continuity aren’t optional extras,” she said.

“These safeguards exist for a reason, to catch red flags, prevent misdiagnosis, ensure antibiotics are used appropriately, and to keep people well.

“Any model that bypasses these puts Western Australians at risk.”

Dr Raman said WA must demonstrate that the pilot is safe before expanding training to more pharmacists.

“Before WA scales this pilot, we need independent, published evidence showing that issues are being identified promptly, antibiotics are being prescribed appropriately, and results and clinical notes are reaching a patient’s usual GP the same day,” she said.

“People with what might seem or be called ‘simple health conditions’ often present with symptoms that mimic more serious illnesses.

“A GP’s comprehensive, specialist medical training allows them to look beyond the obvious. We consider complex histories and ensure one health issue isn’t masking another.

Dr Raman said that while the Government’s investment aims to improve access, the solution cannot be to fragment care.

“Continuity of care is core to safe medicine, not a luxury.”

The RACGP emphasised that Western Australians, including those in rural and regional areas, need and deserve high-quality, coordinated care supported by robust clinical governance.

“We’re not opposed to pharmacists playing a greater role in the health system, especially within multidisciplinary teams in general practices,” she said.

“But expanded roles require guardrails, transparency and proper evaluation. WA must publish safety data before expanding this pilot further.”

The RACGP will continue engaging with the WA Government to ensure that all reforms strengthen patient safety, uphold evidence-based care.

~ENDS

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The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) is the peak representative organisation for general practice, the backbone of Australia’s health system. We set the standards for general practice, facilitate lifelong learning for GPs, connect the general practice community, and advocate for better health and wellbeing for all Australians.

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