NT GPs Consulted on Pharmacy Prescribing Expansion
07 Apr 2026
The program, announced in 2024, will allow trained pharmacists to prescribe independently for 21 conditions to improve access to healthcare.
RACGP NT Chair Dr Sam Heard welcomed the move. ‘It’s good to see GPs being consulted and their voices heard,’ he said. ‘This approach puts patient safety, proper clinical governance and workforce planning first. The experience of Territory GPs must be part of this conversation.’
An expert advisory group has been set up to guide the program. Dr Heard said it’s important the group ensures decisions are evidence-based, balancing the benefits and risks.
‘Bringing pharmacists and doctors together is the right approach,’ he said. ‘It will help identify real gaps in access to healthcare and medicines while using strong data, governance and collaboration. Rushing decisions or copying models from other states can add complexity and fragment care.’
Dr Heard also warned that pharmacists are not a replacement for the ongoing, person-centred care GPs provide. He said changes to medicine supply or prescribing must be carefully considered, especially in the NT.
‘There’s value in exploring models where pharmacists work within general practice teams rather than alone,’ he said. ‘Any expansion of medicine access must be necessary, safe, and supported by proper clinical governance.’
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: RACGP