Pharmacists being allowed to prescribe medication for some conditions is only part of solution to the pressure on GP services.
The shortage of GPs in Ireland has led to calls for more supports to be out in place for doctors currently in general practice and for newly qualified GPs.
Over a third of GPs are over 60, meaning they are reaching retirement age and some are reducing their work commitments despite strong demand.
Speaking to RedFM news Blackpool based GP Dr. John Sheehan says increasing the services provided by pharmacists would help but only marginally:
"I think it's a good natural progression of their role within the community. I don't think it's going to make a massive difference to the day to day workload of general practice but for patients trying to access things for straight forward conditions, I think it might help them instead of trying to get an appointment. At least now they can go to a pharmacy for these conditions."
