An additional 200 pharmacists in WA are set to begin training to diagnose and prescribe medications for common conditions.
It takes the total number of pharmacists undertaking the training in the state to 280.
There are currently 80 pharmacists enrolled in the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot, with about one in three based in regional WA, according to the state government.
A $4 million investment announced ahead of the 2026-27 state budget will support an additional 200 pharmacists from metro and regional areas to begin their training.
The first group of pharmacists are expected to start diagnosing and prescribing later this year after completing the training, despite repeated objections from the RACGP and other medical bodies.
The College has consistently warned that moving to a pharmacist prescribing model risks patient safety and could disrupt continuity of care.
WA Health said training on patient safety and compliance will be funded as part of the pilot.
Health Minister Meredith Hammat said there had been a lot of interest from pharmacists who want to undertake the training.
“This expanded pilot will provide a significant boost to primary healthcare access for Western Australians, particularly those living in areas facing GP shortages,” she said.
RACGP Vice President and WA Chair Dr Ramya Raman has previously warned of a number of concerns, including around how conditions which may mimic others are dealt with, antimicrobial resistance, and the potential for unnecessary use of medication by a patient.
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A consultation is currently underway to develop a national standard approach to pharmacist prescribing training.
The Pharmacy Board of Australia has recommended that pharmacist be endorsed to administer, obtain, possess, prescribe, sell, supply and/or use Schedule 2, 3, 4 and 8 medicines.
The full list of conditions WA pharmacists will be able to prescribe for under the pilot include:
- Asthma
- Smoking cessation
- Shingles
- Impetigo
- Mild psoriasis
- Mild to moderate acne
- Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
- Mild, acute musculoskeletal pain
- Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
- Acute otitis externa
- Acute otitis media
- Acute nausea and vomiting
- Acute minor wound management
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux and Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease
- Hormonal contraception
- Weight loss and management of obesity
- Oral health risk assessment and fluoride application
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