Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland supported legislation that will allow for pharmacists to administer a wider range of treatments during a debate in Parliament this week.
To alleviate regional health care issues, Ms Cleeland said the bill aimed to take some of the pressure off Victoria’s under pressure health system.
The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Authorising Pharmacists) Bill 2023 authorises the dispensing of a limited range of treatments by pharmacists, from minor skin conditions to uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
It also will allow for the re-issuing of oral contraceptives for women and the administration of travel vaccines.
Ms Cleeland contributed to the bill in Parliament on Wednesday, saying she did not oppose the bill – although some concerns were raised with the delivery of the program.
“This legislation is a positive step to alleviating some of the issues currently being faced by our health system,” Ms Cleeland said.
“While I do not oppose the legislation, I do still have concerns about how much impact this will have on a health system that is in disarray.
“Ambulance wait-times, surgery waitlists, and cuts to preventative measures are just some of the ongoing concerns we’re seeing in the regional health system.
“There are further concerns about the bill being introduced with a one-year pilot rather than a more stringent two-year clinical trial that would allow for a clearer assessment of what is and isn’t working.”
Ms Cleeland said she has been in regular conversation with pharmacists in the Euroa region, hearing their thoughts on how the bill would impact them, and the wider community.
“After speaking with local pharmacists, I am told this bill, in theory, should have a really positive impact,” Ms Cleeland said.
“We must make sure that our pharmacies are provided with sufficient training and funding to ensure they can effectively take on these new responsibilities – and make it worth their while.
“Ensuring that this does not take our pharmacists away from their other duties, including dispensing medication for some of our communities’ most vulnerable residents.”
