A plan letting pharmacists prescribe treatments for a raft of conditions will go ahead, despite medical professionals voicing major concerns.
Representatives from five peak medical bodies have written to NSW Premier Chris Minns, escalating concerns about the prescribing powers which have been expanded in recent months.
In a trial announced in September, some pharmacists can now treat ear infections and wounds, and help patients manage chronic conditions including high blood pressure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
People can already get treatment for urinary tract infections or refills of the oral contraceptive pill from specially trained pharmacists, rather than having to visit a GP.
The changes are aimed at providing better access to medical treatment for those who struggle to afford it or access it.
More than a quarter of Australians reported delaying or not seeing a GP in 2024-25, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The letter, sent in October, called for the planned expansion to be paused until the outcome of a similar trial underway in Queensland could be evaluated.
The medical professionals said the treatment of complex chronic conditions, like hypertension, required ongoing continuity of care that only doctors could provide.
''The pharmacy prescribing model, built on episodic stand-alone consultations, lacks these safeguards,'' the letter, co-signed by Australian Medical Association NSW president Dr Fred Betros, said.
The decision to expand pharmacist prescribing powers was not made lightly, Mr Minns said.
''What we saw over and over again was men and women going without basic but essential health care because they couldn't access a doctor,'' he said.
Mr Minns made the comments at a press conference where he announced the government’s commitment to honour the decision of the Industrial Relations Commission in an ongoing case over allied health workers' pay rates.
Health Services Union secretary Gerard Hayes said the commission could rule in favour of a wage increase for the workers of up to 20 per cent.
The awards, which were written in 2007, were not in line with their current capabilities, Mr Hayes said.
"This is about bringing the community and the health setting up to a standard'' for 2026 and beyond, he told reporters.
Hearings in the case are set to start during November.
