New pharmacy prescribing expansion a ‘slap in the face’
The New South Wales government plans to allow pharmacists to manage chronic conditions and administer vaccinations, sparking backlash from medical associations. The AMA and RACGP argue this fragments patient care and undermines the role of general practitioners.
Why it matters
Reflects a growing tension between pharmacy and medical professions regarding the scope of practice and the future of primary healthcare delivery.
The RACGP, AMA, and RDAA warn that expanding pharmacist prescribing into chronic disease management is dangerous territory.
Eligible pharmacists in a new NSW prescribing trial will be able to manage chronic conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in what the pharmacy guild is calling a landmark announcement.
When it will come into effect is yet to be determined.
Last week, The Medical Republic reported the Pharmacy Guild’s NSW branch had urged the state government to allow more than 250 pharmacists completing accredited prescribing training at the University of Newcastle and the University of Technology Sydney to work full scope across 23 common health conditions.
At today’s Pharmacy Connect 2026 conference, NSW premier Chris Minns confirmed that he would be granting this particular wish.
The premier also announced that from 1 January 2027, NSW community pharmacists would also be able to administer all vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program .
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