RACGP warns NT pharmacy prescribing expansion could risk patient safety

RACGP warns NT pharmacy prescribing expansion could risk patient safety

12 May 2026

The Northern Territory Government has announced that trained pharmacists will now be able to diagnose and treat 21 common health conditions without patients needing to see a GP.

The changes include treatment for conditions such as asthma, urinary tract infections, mild skin conditions, nausea, ear infections, weight management, smoking cessation support, and oral contraceptive initiation and resupply.

NT Health Minister Steve Edgington said the program is designed to improve access to care, reduce pressure on GP clinics and hospitals, and allow patients to receive faster treatment for everyday conditions at their local pharmacy.

The government will spend $1 million to train pharmacists, with the first group completing qualifications through James Cook University.

The rollout will begin across 43 community pharmacies in stages.

However, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has strongly opposed the move.

RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said the changes are being introduced too quickly, without enough evidence or consistent safety evaluation across different regions.

He said faster access to care should not come at the cost of fragmented treatment, especially for people with ongoing or chronic conditions.

RACGP NT Chair Dr Sam Heard described the decision as “deeply concerning”, saying proper safety processes have not been fully completed.

He said an expert advisory committee set up to develop clinical guidelines for pharmacists had not finished its work before the announcement was made.

Dr Heard also raised concerns about pharmacists being allowed to prescribe antibiotics in a region already facing high antibiotic resistance rates.

He warned this could make infections harder to treat and increase health risks in the community.

The new program will allow pharmacists to assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, skin infections, contraception, minor injuries, and some chronic disease risk factors.


https://www1.racgp.org.au/
 
Source: newsGP
 

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