A program at The University of Western Australia is providing qualified pharmacists with the training needed to diagnose and provide treatment for certain common health conditions across the State, including regional areas.

Forty pharmacists across Western Australia are training for the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot program, with 12 rural and regional-based pharmacists and 28 in the metropolitan area getting ready to improve access to primary healthcare across the State.

Associate Professor Liza Seubert, Head of the Department of Pharmacy at UWA's School of Health and Clinical Sciences, said the initiative reflected the evolving role of pharmacists.

“Pharmacists are highly accessible healthcare professionals, and this program will give them the ability to support patients with safe, evidence-based treatment for a range of common conditions,” Associate Professor Seubert said.

“We have worked closely with clinicians, regulators and government to develop a training program that prioritises patient safety, person-centred care and interprofessional collaboration.

“We are particularly pleased to see strong participation from rural and regional pharmacists, where expanded scope initiatives have the potential to significantly improve healthcare access and outcomes.”

The Western Australian Government has invested $1.26 million to subsidise training costs to encourage pharmacists to undertake the training, boosting healthcare access in their communities.

The Department of Health has prioritised allocation of subsidies to areas with a shortage of GP services with the pilot program on track to launch later this year, subject to training completion.