Simeon Brown: Health Minister on the planned changes for the Medicines Act

Paramedics may have to undertake further training, so they can prescribe medicines. Planned changes to the Medicines Act are set to allow paramedics to be prescribers, with consultation underway on what medicines can be authorised. The Government says training programmes will be established for them to gain the necessary qualifications. Health Minister Simeon Brown says it's important New Zealand maximises its paramedic workforce to benefit communities. "Our paramedic workforce is probably best known for the work they do on ambulances, but paramedics also work in primary care and urgent care, and in a range of other areas in the community as well. So by expanding their scope of practice and allowing them to prescribe - it takes pressure off other parts of the workforce.   LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.