The NT Government has taken the initial steps for community pharmacists to provide more services for patients across the territory.
Under the moves, patients will benefit from community pharmacists being able to provide more vaccinations and treat more everyday ailments.
The NT Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Peter Hatswell, welcomed the move and congratulated the NT Government for its commitment to patients.
"This is also a welcome recognition that pharmacists are trained and skilled to provide these services and this decision will enhance patient care by increasing their access to the best possible health services:" Mr Hatswell said.
"Pharmacists are among the most trusted and accessible of all health professionals so allowing them to provide more care for patients is common sense and a win for NT communities.
"Community pharmacies are open longer and often at weekends so patients will have easier access to health services.
"It will also ease pressure on the already over loaded GP system."
Mr Hatswell said it had been clearly demonstrated that through no fault of their own, wait times for GP appointments were at times excessive.
"This is a great decision and goes a step further than moves announced in Queensland and NSW in the past few weeks.
"I commend the NT Government for its commitment to patients' welfare and health outcomes through this decision.
"Pharmacists across the Territory look forward to working closely with the Government on the implementation of this good policy."
