ICYMI: Guild National President George Tambassis talks live on the Today Show about how pharmacy services can unburden GPs.

George Tambassis states pharmacists around the country are able to issue absence from work certificates as well as doctors’ certificates for minor ailments. He notes plenty of patients come and see pharmacists all around the country because they are well distributed across Australia and they don’t require appointments. Furthermore, there is now legislation in every state and territory to allow them to perform vaccinations and they do a myriad of other services where they collaborate with local GPs and doctors in their areas.

Mr Tambassis is confident that pharmacists can look after minor ailments, especially those that can be treated through over-the-counter products with consultation because they have also been highly trained in medicine.

He says the eHealth and My Health Record could aid in providing improved services to the community. Gannon agrees with Tambassis’ remarks.

Deb Knight thinks it’s fair enough that people can go to pharmacies if they need a prescription to be refilled or a vaccination. Gannon explains refilling a prescription is not that simple as it could depend on the nature of the medication. However, Knight argues that the report has found that its cost is high and that it would be better to delegate that task to help taxpayers.