Medical Groups Call for NSW Pharmacy Prescribing Expansion to Stop
04 Nov 2026
The RACGP has joined four other major medical organisations in writing to NSW Premier Chris Minns, calling for a pause to the expanded pharmacy prescribing program.
The organisations are concerned about the risks of expanding pharmacists' prescribing roles, particularly for people living with chronic and complex conditions.
The letter questions the timing of the NSW Government's decision, noting that it came just days after an agreement to review national guidance on prescribing scheduled medicines and consider a consistent approach across Australia.
The medical groups want the Government to pause further expansion until an independent evaluation of Queensland's pharmacy prescribing trial is completed and made public.
They are also calling for proper consultation with medical organisations and other healthcare stakeholders before decisions are made about changes to prescribing responsibilities.
The five groups have asked Premier Minns to meet with their representatives to discuss a way forward that puts patient safety and strong clinical evidence first.
RACGP NSW and ACT Chair Dr Rebekah Hoffman said continuity of care was important for better health outcomes and reducing pressure on hospitals.
She explained that ongoing relationships between patients and their GPs help doctors understand their medical history, medications and changing health needs.
She warned that new healthcare models should strengthen these relationships rather than create gaps in patient care.
Premier Minns acknowledged the concerns raised by medical groups but defended the pharmacy prescribing changes. He said the reforms were important because some people struggle to access or afford basic healthcare.
He also said the Government had not made the decision lightly and recognised the concerns of doctors and other healthcare professionals.
The medical organisations argue that diagnosing and managing complex conditions requires a detailed patient history, consideration of other possible diagnoses and ongoing care. They say these are important parts of general practice.
The letter states that expanding pharmacist prescribing into complex chronic conditions could create risks for patients, particularly when care is not coordinated with their usual GP.
The RACGP has previously referred to independent reports from the Sax Institute and Grattan Institute, which highlighted a lack of strong evidence showing that pharmacist prescribing for complex conditions is safe, improves patient outcomes or reduces pressure on the health system.
The college is now asking the NSW Government to provide evidence supporting the expansion.
However, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia has rejected the criticism, arguing that the medical organisations are limiting patient choice and access to healthcare.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW Branch President Mario Barone said pharmacist prescribing did not replace GPs. He argued that it offered patients another timely healthcare option while allowing GPs to focus on more complex cases.
The RACGP maintains that healthcare reforms must be supported by evidence and focused on patient safety.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright also questioned the Government's approach, calling the policy a solution to a problem that had not been clearly established.
He urged Premier Minns to release details of meetings, communications and policy advice involving the Pharmacy Guild during the development of the reforms.
Dr Wright said further expansion into chronic and complex conditions should be paused until supporting evidence is available, stressing that patient safety must remain the priority.
Medical Groups Call for NSW Pharmacy Prescribing Expansion to Stop
Source: RACGP / The Sydney Morning Herald.