The Finocchiaro CLP Government is making healthcare easier for Territorians, delivering on its election commitment to improve access to everyday care through community pharmacies.Territorians are now able to visit participating local pharmacies to diagnose and treat 21 common health conditions, saving time, reducing costs, and avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor.The continued roll-out of the expanded scope of practice will reduce pressure on primary care services and hospital emergency departments.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is making healthcare easier for Territorians, delivering on its election commitment to improve access to everyday care through community pharmacies.
Territorians are now able to visit participating local pharmacies to diagnose and treat 21 common health conditions, saving time, reducing costs, and avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor.
This means faster, more convenient care close to home, helping Territorians get on with their day.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said this delivers on a key election commitment to make everyday healthcare quicker, easier and more affordable for Territorians.
"This is about restoring our lifestyle, making it simpler for Territorians to access the care they need, when they need it," Mrs Finocchiaro said.
"Healthcare shouldn't be difficult, expensive or time consuming.
"As part of our year of growth, certainty and security, we're delivering faster, more convenient access to care, so Territorians spend less time waiting and more time getting on with life."
Minister for Health Steve Edgington said the continued roll-out of the expanded scope of practice, a CLP election commitment, would reduce pressure on primary care services and hospital emergency departments.
"Allowing pharmacists to treat common conditions is a practical step that means Territorians can get fast, convenient care for everyday conditions at their local chemist and frees up GPs for more complex care."
"Our community pharmacists are qualified, experienced and ready to expand their role to provide safe, high-quality additional services," Mr Edgington said.
"These initiatives empower pharmacists to deliver more frontline care, improving access for patients while easing pressure on GPs and hospitals."
The expanded scope of practice has been enabled through amendments to the Medicines, Poisons and Therapeutic Goods Regulations 2014, allowing pharmacists to prescribe and treat a defined range of conditions.
The initiative builds on the successful rollout of pharmacy-based treatment for urinary tract infections, introduced within the CLP Government's first 100 days, which is already helping hundreds of Territorians each year.
To support the expansion, the CLP Government has invested $1 million to train NT pharmacists, with the first cohort completing qualifications through James Cook University.
The Territory's 43 community pharmacies will progressively roll out the new services, with several locations across the Territory ready to begin immediately and more coming online in the months ahead.
In addition, free vaccination services are being expanded to include children aged two to five years, making it easier for families to stay up to date with immunisations.
These reforms are part of a broader national effort to strengthen primary healthcare, with the NT also supporting interstate-trained prescribing pharmacists to work to their full scope, helping grow the local workforce.
Prof. Trent Twomey, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President said:
"This announcement will make a real difference to the health of Territorians. Specially trained pharmacists will now be able to provide treatment for everyday health conditions like school sores and ear infections and help manage long-term conditions like asthma, high blood pressure and diabetes.
"Community pharmacists will be able to examine, assess, and provide treatment - including prescriptions for patients. Community pharmacies are the most accessible primary healthcare providers, open earlier later and longer than other providers. This makes it easier than ever for patients to get the care they need, when and where they need it.
"Enabling trained pharmacists to provide these services will mean better health outcomes, reduced pressure on GPs and emergency departments, and a stronger, more sustainable health system."
For Territorians, it means simpler, faster, and more accessible healthcare, right in their community.
For the following conditions, trained pharmacists can assess, diagnose, and manage or treat where clinically appropriate.
Acute exacerbations of mild plaque psoriasisAcute minor wound managementAcute nausea and vomitingAllergic and nonallergic rhinitis (hay fever)AsthmaEar infections - treatment and/or management of associated painGastro-oesophageal reflux and gastro-oesophageal reflux diseaseHerpes Zoster (shingles) - treatment and/or management of associated painHormonal contraceptive initiationImpetigo (school sores)Management for overweight and obesityMild to moderate acneMild to moderate atopic dermatitisMild, acute, musculoskeletal painOral contraceptive resupplyOral health risk assessment and fluoride applicationQuit smoking Travel healthCardiovascular disease risk reductionChronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseUrinary Tract Infection (already in place)
