RACGP calls on SA Government to ensure evidence-based approach to primary care reforms

The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has called on the SA Government to match the position laid out by Liberal health spokesperson Heidi Girolamo on the role of pharmacists and GPs in primary care, emphasising the importance of safe, coordinated and evidence-based models that support the best outcomes for South Australians.

RACGP SA Chair Dr Sian Goodson said the SA Liberal’s position highlights the need for careful consideration of how different parts of the health system interact.

“There is currently no serious evidence base supporting pharmacy prescribing trials, and that lack of rigorous data raises real concerns about patient safety,” she said.

“When trials shift decision making into commercial environments, they risk putting business considerations ahead of patient needs, and that creates unacceptable conflicts of interest in healthcare.

“Most pharmacy trials conducted to date have not met accepted clinical trial standards, which understandably raises questions about their safety, validity, and the reliability of their findings.

“Critically, when it comes to accessing the oral contraceptive pill this decision completely disregards the expert advice of the Therapeutic Goods Administration, Australia’s independent medicines regulator which specifically recommended against pharmacists prescribing the pill because it isn’t safe. South Australians deserve to know why their government is recklessly ignoring this advice.

“Australians consistently tell us they trust their GPs, and they do not want retail environments replacing the comprehensive, relationship-based care that general practice delivers. Recent data shows that 99% of patients can access their GP when required.

“GPs are highly trained in patient-centred care, including culturally safe and trauma-informed approaches. This is especially important for patients with complex needs or those who have faced barriers accessing care in retail settings. Their health outcomes depend on care delivered through safe, trusted clinical relationships.

“Any expansion of healthcare roles must be guided by evidence, supported by robust clinical governance, and integrated into existing care pathways. Fragmentation of care can increase the risk of misdiagnosis, missed diagnoses, medication complications and duplicated services.”

The RACGP reiterated decades of global research showing continuity of care with a GP reduces hospitalisations, improves chronic disease management, and lowers mortality across populations.

“Many conditions being discussed in the current debate, such as skin infections, and hormonal contraception, may appear simple but can mask more complex underlying issues,” Dr Goodson said.

“GPs are trained to diagnose, manage, and coordinate care across a patient’s full medical history, medications, investigations and comorbidities.

“This whole-patient context is critical to identifying when something is not straightforward.”

The College reaffirmed its support for pharmacists working to top of scope within multidisciplinary, clinically governed models, such as embedded pharmacists in general practice and collaborative care arrangements.

“Pharmacists’ expertise in medicines safety is essential, and the RACGP strongly values their contribution,” Dr Goodson said.

“Evidence shows that when pharmacists work in partnership with GPs, outcomes improve, particularly in medication safety, chronic disease management, and transitions of care.”

The RACGP cautioned that expanding isolated service models risks diverting resources away from comprehensive, longitudinal care.

“We must design reforms that strengthen, not fragment, primary care. That means ensuring appropriate triage, clinical oversight, and pathways back to a patient’s regular GP,” Dr Goodson said.

“South Australians need solutions that address the root causes of system pressure, including GP workforce distribution, system funding, and rising complexity in community health needs.”

Dr Goodson emphasised that the national conversation should focus on building a primary care system that reduces wait times without compromising safety.

“Patients deserve certainty that their care is clinically appropriate, communicated across providers, and embedded in a system that prioritises long-term health,” she said.

“The RACGP will continue working constructively with governments, health professionals and community organisations to ensure reforms are safe, evidence-based and designed around the needs of patients.”

~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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