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RACGP encourages a measured approach to pharmacist scope of practice in the NT

Royal Australian College of GPs

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has welcomed the Northern Territory Government’s first steps towards a considered, evidence-based approach to discussions about pharmacist scope of practice.

RACGP Northern Territory Chair Dr Sam Heard said removing unnecessary urgency from the conversation would lead to better outcomes for patients and the health system.

“We are aware of the pressure that the NT Government is under to deliver on their pre-election commitment to the Pharmacy Guild to allow pharmacists to prescribe autonomously for 21 unique conditions,” Dr Heard said.

“Whilst its early days, we are pleased that GPs are being consulted and that their voices are being heard. This is a sensible approach that puts patient safety, good clinical governance and proper workforce planning first.

“Changes to how medicines are supplied or prescribed should always be guided by evidence, data and careful consideration of how people actually receive care, particularly in the Territory.

“The experience and training of GPs in the Territory must continue to be a key part of this conversation.”

Dr Heard acknowledged the role pharmacists play across the NT health system and said they were an essential part of addressing workforce pressures when supported by the right models.

“Pharmacists are incredibly important to healthcare in the Territory. We have a scarce workforce of GPs and pharmacists, and we need to use their skills in the safest and most effective way,” Dr Heard said.

“That means making sure any expanded scope is clearly targeted to areas of genuine need, and that pharmacists are properly trained, supported, and clinically linked with GPs and primary care services.”

“Pharmacists can do more in providing services from a retail environment, but they are not a substitute for the comprehensive, person-centred care provided by a patient’s GP over time.

“GPs specialise in managing the healthcare of the whole person. There are risks in treating symptoms in isolation and delaying a thorough medical assessment.

“We are really pleased to be able to work with pharmacists to find a safe and effective model of care for all Territorians.”

Whilst it is outside the remit of this piece of work, the College supports the expansion of pharmacist roles as part of multidisciplinary care teams.

“We’re seeing benefits from pharmacists working alongside GPs and nurses in aged care facilities and Aboriginal Community-Controlled Health Services, helping improve medicine safety and quality use of medicines for our first nations and older Territorians,” Dr Heard said.

“There is merit in exploring similar models in general practices, where pharmacists are embedded in care teams rather than working in isolation.”

Dr Heard said Australia’s medicines scheduling system remains a critical safeguard for patients.

“Australia has one of the safest medicines regulatory systems in the world. Pharmacists already provide Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 medicines without a prescription,” Dr Heard said.

“Any proposal to expand access to medicines normally reserved for longer-term or chronic use must be carefully assessed to ensure it is necessary, safe, and supported by appropriate clinical governance.

“I am particularly concerned with allowing broader access to a range of antibiotics. International evidence shows how quickly antimicrobial resistance can propagate.

“The NT leads the nation in development of antibiotic resistance – it is a real concern here in the Territory, and we absolutely must avoid liberal access to antibiotics in a retail setting.”  

The RACGP is calling for an assurance from the Health Minister that the work of the expert advisory group (EAG) will inform an evidence-based approach balancing risks and benefits to the people in the NT.

“Bringing pharmacists and doctors together around the same table is the right approach,” Dr Heard said.

“An EAG will address genuine gaps in access to healthcare and medicines that can be safely diagnosed in a retail pharmacy setting to be identified and addressed using good data, strong governance and collaboration.

“Rushing decisions or implementing things from Sydney, Melbourne or in this case, North Queensland, without making sure the model suits the NT is fraught and too often adds complexity and further fragments care. However, this will only be effective if evidence is truly looked at, and the EAG considers more evidence-based collaborative models.

“On behalf of Territorians, we welcome the NT Government’s measured and pragmatic approach and look forward to working constructively with government and pharmacy colleagues to strengthen patient care across the Territory.”

~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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