Making medicines more accessible in the Territory

10 July 2024

The Lawler Labor Government is taking a common sense approach to making it easier for Territorians to access treatments for simple health conditions and avoid unnecessary medical appointments, by expanding the role pharmacies play in treating common ailments.

Community pharmacists are highly trained and regulated health professionals who have the skills and knowledge to provide additional services.

Expanded pharmacy services could include access to treatments for common ailments such as acute nausea and vomiting, impetigo (school sores), mild to moderate allergic skin conditions and simple wounds and ear infections.

The future of community pharmacies could also see more vaccines available, as well as an increase in the range of medicines that can be supplied by a pharmacist in an emergency if a patient’s prescription runs out, or medicines have been lost.

Territorians are being asked to provide their feedback about the additional services that could be made available from community pharmacies in the Northern Territory to help improve access to care.

The Territory has 43 community pharmacies across Darwin, Palmerston, Katherine, Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek and Alice Springs, many of which are open after-hours and seven days per week.

Expanding the scope of pharmacy services will make it convenient for patients to access medication and help alleviate pressure on primary care services and hospital emergency departments.

Reforms to increase the scope of practice of community pharmacists are underway across Australia, and the Lawler Labor Government wants to ensure Territorians have equitable access.

Territorians can submit their feedback until 7 August via haveyoursay.nt.gov.au

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Eva Lawler:

“Wherever you live in the Territory we want to make gaining access to much needed medicines easier.

“Territory Labor is a Government who listens, and has the best interest of Territorians for better health care access in line with reforms across the nation.”

Quotes attributed to  the Minister for Health Selena Uibo:

“The Lawler Labor Government is about making sure Territorians get the best care and is current with reforms across the country – that is why we want to give Territorians the opportunity to voice out how pharmacy services could improve streamline access to treatments for simple health conditions.”

Quotes attributed to Pharmacy Guild of Australia Northern Territory Branch President, Peter Hatswell:

“We applaud the NT Government's decision to expand pharmacy services. This will significantly enhance healthcare access for Territorians, particularly in remote areas where medical services can be limited. It's a positive step towards better health outcomes for our community.”

Northern Territory Government