Pharmacy prescriptions for UTIs have been recommended as a solution to delays in treatment.

A recent South Australian parliamentary committee investigation, spanning nine months, has proposed a change that could alleviate the suffering of many Australian women plagued by urinary tract infections (UTIs). 

These infections, which affect roughly half of Australian women, often lead to prolonged discomfort and inconvenience due to delays in obtaining medical treatment.

Labor MP Jayne Stinson initiated the inquiry after grappling with her own UTI and experiencing the frustrating wait times to consult a general practitioner (GP). 

The committee's findings revealed that nearly 9,000 individuals in South Australia end up hospitalised annually due to UTI complications, showing the importance of prompt treatment.

To address this issue, the committee has recommended a significant change: granting pharmacists the authority to prescribe antibiotics for UTIs following a consultation with the patient. 

This proposal aims to provide better access to essential medication while preserving patient safety.

Pharmacists are generally supportive of this recommendation, but medical professionals, including the Royal College of Australian General Practitioners and the Australian Medical Association (AMA), have expressed reservations. 

They argue that UTI symptoms can sometimes be attributed to conditions other than UTIs, emphasising the need for GPs' expertise in diagnosis. 

Concerns about antibiotic over-prescription and the risk of antibiotic resistance are also at the forefront of their objections.

Despite these concerns, the South Australian government is leaning toward accepting the committee's recommendations. 

Health Minister Chris Picton has stated that, given the successful implementation in other states and the potential to improve access to care, the changes could be enacted without conducting further trials.

Additionally, the committee has suggested expanding pharmacists' roles beyond UTI prescriptions. 

They recommend that pharmacists be allowed to renew prescriptions for contraceptives and consider a separate trial for pharmacy prescriptions of 25 other common medications, including treatments for various ailments such as skin conditions, ear infections, and diabetes and asthma management when an existing treatment plan is in place.