ACT wants pharmacists to take on more medical services

A pharmacist said there would need to be additional training if the profession was called on to offer more treatments to ease pressure on GPs. ACT leader David Seymour said his party would extend the role of pharmacists beyond changes already coming into effect next month. In a policy announced on Tuesday, he said pharmacists could treat chest infections, ear infections, skin infections and acute pain, and be responsible for triaging skin cancer concerns. From June, pharmacists will be able to offer funded treatment for six conditions including head lice, scabies and conjunctivitis. Pharmacist, director of Mangawhai Pharmacy, Lanny Wong spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.