NT to progress increased pharmacy services under new leadership

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomes the appointment of new Northern Territory Health Minister Steve Edgington and congratulates Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro on forming government.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey said the Guild looked forward to working with Minister Edgington and the Finocchiaro Government on expanding Territorians’ access to primary health services.
“We are delighted the Country Liberal Party will, within the first twelve months of being in government, bring to fruition its commitment to enable community pharmacies to provide treatment for 23 everyday ailments including swimmer’s ear, school sores, smoking cessation and asthma.”
“We especially welcome the government’s priority action to introduce community pharmacists’ treatment of uncomplicated UTIs within the first 100 days of holding office.”
Professor Twomey said the changes would enable greater healthcare access to Territorians and alleviate pressure on general practitioners and emergency departments.
“I know the new government and the Guild share the same vision for better outcomes for NT patients.
“I also know the NT’s community pharmacists are ready and willing to do more for their patients and to undertake the appropriate training needed to deliver this.”
Last week, New South Wales became the second state to endorse community pharmacists operating to their full scope of practice, with an announcement by Health Minister, Ryan Park at the Pharmacy Connect conference in Sydney.
When realised, the new NT Government’s commitment positions the NT in front of Queensland and NSW, as nation leaders in empowering community pharmacists to do more and provide patients with expanded health care options.