Increasing pharmacy scope fails to recognise the critical role of general practice in the care of their patients

Why the Minister of Health is undermining his own review into pharmacy scope of practice is beyond our comprehension.

AMA Tasmania, in good faith, is taking part in the review. Yet, decisions like this that expands pharmacist’s scope of practice undermine the integrity of that process.

It appears the government has made up its mind on the role of pharmacy, and good quality comprehensive patient care is a secondary consideration.

First and foremost, doctors are the best providers of medical care to patients. They are highly trained and use opportunities such as immunisations to pick up on other health complaints a patient may have or to encourage patients to keep up with other screening procedures like pap smears.

Taking further immunisation work away from general practice also does not recognise the importance of providing doctors with a mix of patient care issues to resolve.

General practice is struggling to attract new doctors, and existing doctors are reducing their hours or retiring because of burnout.

Taking further immunisations away from doctors reduces patient care as well as leaves doctors with less routine work and more and more complex work. Doctors are human too; without the day being broken up with different patient needs, they are burning out.” 

Comments can be attributed to Dr John Saul, President of AMA Tasmania: