RACGP Rejects Report Claiming Pharmacy Prescribing Will Reduce GP Pressure
09 Jun 2026
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has released a report claiming that allowing pharmacists to prescribe for more conditions could save over $1 billion a year for the health system and reduce GP appointments by more than 10 million annually.
The report, prepared by HTANALYSTS, looks at conditions such as asthma, COPD, hormonal contraception and heart disease risk. It suggests that expanding pharmacist prescribing could also reduce hospital admissions and improve access to care, especially in rural and regional areas.
It argues that moving some routine care from general practice to community pharmacies could help manage future workforce shortages and improve access for patients.
However, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has questioned the report’s assumptions and modelling.
RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said healthcare changes should support teamwork between providers rather than separate care pathways. He said ongoing care with a regular GP is important for managing complex health conditions.
He also said government investment in Medicare and GP training is already focused on improving access to general practice and strengthening the workforce.
The report also raises concerns about a future GP shortage and suggests pharmacist prescribing could help meet growing demand for healthcare services.
Pharmacy Guild President Professor Trent Twomey supported the report, saying trained pharmacists could improve access to care and reduce pressure on the wider health system.
The debate comes as a recent review of a pharmacy-led urinary tract infection service found many patients still visited a GP within a month of receiving care at a pharmacy.
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