9 Jul 2013

First group of prescribing pharmacists qualify

8:30 am on 9 July 2013

Plans for pharmacists to prescribe medicine have taken a step forward.

Fourteen pharmacists have just completed a new qualification that allows them to prescribe in some cases.

They won't be allowed to diagnose patients but will be allowed to renew prescriptions and change dosages.

Associate Health Minister Todd McClay says allowing pharmacists as well as doctors to prescribe will mean better medicine management for patients.