National Pharmacies welcomes expanding scope of practice for pharmacists in SA

National Pharmacies welcomes the State Government's initiative to allow South Australians suffering from everyday conditions such as gastro, earaches, reflux, and acne to access treatment from their local pharmacist, helping to alleviate pressure on the health system.

Under the government program announced today, on World Pharmacists Day, SA pharmacists who undertake postgraduate training will be able to treat skin conditions, ear infections, nausea and vomiting, gastro-oesophageal reflux, musculoskeletal pain and rhinitis, as well as provide wound management services.

The expanding scope of practice program follows the successful rollout of initiatives earlier this year allowing eligible South Australian women access to medication for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill through community pharmacies, including almost all National Pharmacies stores in SA, instead of visiting a GP.

National Pharmacies CEO Vito Borrello said National Pharmacies looked forward to working with the Malinauskas Government and Health Minister Chris Picton to continue expanding South Australians’ access to everyday health services through community pharmacies.

“In the past six months, our trained pharmacists have assisted more than 600 women seeking help for urinary tract infections (UTI) and those needing repeat access to oral contraceptive pills (OCP), improving access to health care and reducing Emergency Department admissions,” said Mr Borrello.

“Our 24/7 pharmacy at Norwood has further assisted access to health care advice and medication with more than 8000 people visiting afterhours since opening in February,” he said.

“We are excited to be able to harness the full scope of practice of our expert pharmacists to better meet the complex health needs of South Australians, our ageing population and our overstretched health system.”

National Pharmacies is committed to working with the government and relevant stakeholders to progress the relevant prescribing and clinical assessment training required for pharmacists. The program is expected to start as early as 2026, pending completion of the required training