Evidence Questions Pharmacy Prescribing Expansion in Australia
06 Jul 2026
The report, prepared by the Sax Institute, examined international studies and Australian evidence on independent pharmacist prescribing in community pharmacies. Researchers reviewed 18 international studies and 122 Australian documents.
While the review found pharmacist prescribing may improve access to medicines, it also identified major gaps in the available evidence. Researchers said there is not enough reliable data to confirm the clinical effectiveness, safety or broader impact of pharmacist prescribing in Australia.
According to the report, many existing studies used weak research methods, focused on only a small number of health conditions and did not adequately assess patient safety, health outcomes or economic impacts.
The Sax Institute concluded that stronger, well-designed studies are needed across a wider range of medical conditions to guide future policy and ensure safe, high-quality patient care.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the findings highlight the importance of putting patient safety first. He said expanding pharmacy prescribing without strong supporting evidence could place patients at risk and called for more independent research before further changes are introduced.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia disagreed with the report's conclusions. National Vice President Simon Blacker said pharmacist prescribing improves access to healthcare, helps patients receive treatment sooner and prevents minor illnesses from becoming more serious. He also said newer evidence supports the safety and effectiveness of pharmacist prescribing.
The debate comes as every Australian state and territory continues to expand pharmacy prescribing services to help reduce pressure on hospitals and general practice.
Evidence Questions Pharmacy Prescribing Expansion in Australia
Source: RACGP / Sax Institute Rapid Review, July 2026.
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