Doctors in north Queensland have condemned a trial that allows pharmacist to prescribe medication as ‘dangerous’.
Queensland Health has been running the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot, allowing pharmacist to prescribe treatment to women suspected of having the condition.
The Government claims the trial has been a success and have proposed an extension to the trial that would allow pharmacist to prescribe medication for another 23 conditions including heart conditions and type 2 diabetes.
The issue was the subject of an AMA Emergency Town Hall meeting last week where more than 100 doctors voiced their concerns about the trial.
The trial has been heavily opposed by the Australian Medical Association, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
Director of clinical health services at the Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation in Yarrabah, Dr Jason King says there is evidence of patients being diagnosed incorrectly.
He spoke to NIRS about his concerns with the trial.
