Pharmacy shake-up

PHARMACIES could be allowed to fill repeat prescriptions, vaccinate against a wide range of illnesses and sell medicines like the contraceptive pill and Viagra over the counter as part of a shake-up to be investigated by State parliament.

Patients could also buy non-addictive drugs used to treat conditions like cardiovascular disease, respiratory illnesses, asthma and dermatitis without going to a GP.

The proposals, which the government has agreed to consider, will spark a turf war between pharmacists and doctors over who has the ability to prescribe drugs and provide basic medical treatments.

The Pharmacy Guild has convinced the State Government to set up an inquiry into the regulation of their businesses that will consider a major overhaul of their role in the health system. The review will be finished by late September.