GP’s are urging Queensland Health not to go through with a trial which will allow pharmacists to dispense antibiotics without a prescription, saying it will increase the risk of antibiotic resistant superbugs.
The trial was proposed after a state government review of how pharmacists operate, and will allow them to provide some medicines without a prescription, such as the contraceptive pill.
Queensland chair of the The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Dr Bruce Willett, says allowing pharmacists leeway will lead to an increase in antibiotic use, as well as the possible misdiagnosis of more serious conditions.