WA Government’s expanded role for pharmacy fragments care for Western Australians: RACGP

The Cook Government today announced it was committed to expanding the role for pharmacists to treat people for a range of conditions, including shingles, acne, dermatitis, musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, nausea and vomiting, and wound management.  

RACGP WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman said the move is unsafe and risks fragmenting care for patients.  

“What the Cook Government clearly doesn’t get, is that patients come with symptoms, not a diagnosis. Anyone who puts their symptoms into Google will see it throws up countless possible causes. Diagnosis is complex and requires years of training – Specialist GPs train for over 10 years to understand the difference between a minor ailment and something more sinister. 

“I’m concerned that if this expansion goes ahead, we’ll see incorrect treatment, delayed diagnosis and potential complications of health issues. This is exactly what happened in the UK when they allowed non-medically trained health professionals to do the work doctors do. 

“This move will also likely contravene national regulations for medicines, which exist to keep patients safe. The Therapeutic Goods Administration, or TGA, determines the rules for medicines to protect the health of Australians and has transparent processes in place for safety.  

“The government has described the existing uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) treatment program and the Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) resupply program introduced in the past year as “effective”, but they have not actually been evaluated for health outcomes.  

“There is no substitute for the quality care you get from a GP who knows you and your full medical history.”