The AMA has attacked a plan to allow pharmacists in Queensland to start prescribing antibiotics for UTIs as a “dangerous precedent” in the era of growing anti-microbial resistance.

The Queensland Government says it is preparing to launch a state-wide pilot program to allow pharmacists to provide the contraceptive pill and antibiotics for UTIs without a current prescription.

But doctors are criticising the proposal, particularly over its lack of crucial details such as how many repeat scripts pharmacists would be able to dispense before referring the patient to a GP.

Now the AMA has weighed in, with president Dr Tony Bartone warning the trial of “unfettered prescribing” would be irresponsible and represent a fundamental conflict of interest.