Residents could soon renew prescriptions for the contraceptive pill at their local pharmacy under an election pledge proposed by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.
The move would allow patients to bypass GPs for regular prescriptions like the contraceptive pill and common antibiotics for free over a 12-month trial period.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the plan would "transform healthcare" with people able to book online or walk into their local pharmacy and get the care they need.
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Under our pharmacy plan, the government would cover the cost of the patient consultation fee for the treatment of UTI and the contraceptive pill.
It will also see pharmacists prescribe treatment of an UTI.
"This is about making it easier and quicker for people to access important prescription medications and treatments," Perrottet said.
"It's harder than ever to get into a GP and that's why these changes will make a real difference to people who need to access a range of prescriptions and treatments.
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The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) NSW President Chelsea Felkai said that the pilot would "significantly improve" access to timely healthcare.
"Pharmacists are well-positioned to deliver quality, timely care to NSW patients experiencing uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections," Felkai said.
The plan will come into place from July, if the Perrottet government wins the state election next month.
Source: 9News