The Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Amendment (Authorising Pharmacists) Bill 2023 authorises the dispensing of a limited range of treatments by pharmacists.
It would allow for medical treatments such as minor skin conditions, re-issuing of oral contraceptives for women and the administration of travel vaccines to be done by pharmacists.
Ms Cleeland showed her support in parliament for the bill, saying the legislation would alleviate some of the issues being faced in the health system.
“While I do not oppose the legislation, I do still have some concerns about how much impact this will have on a health system that is in disarray,” she said.
“Ambulance wait times, surgery wait lists and cuts to preventative measures are just some of the ongoing concerns we’re seeing in the regional health system.”
Ms Cleeland said she had regularly been in contact with pharmacists in the Euroa region and listened to their thoughts on how the bill would impact them.
“After speaking with local pharmacists, I am told this bill, in theory, should have a really positive impact,” she said.
“We must make sure that our pharmacies are provided with sufficient training and funding to ensure they can effectively take on these new responsibilities — and make it worth their while.
“Ensuring that this does not take our pharmacists away from their other duties, including dispensing medication for some of our communities’ most vulnerable residents.”
