A controversial pilot allowing hundreds of pharmacists to prescribe antibiotics for uncomplicated UTIs is set to become a permanent feature of the Queensland health system after the State Government extended it for six months.

Since its start 18 months ago, more than 6300 women have paid a $19.95 consult fee to pharmacists who, after making their diagnosis, can prescribe trimethoprim, nitrofurantoin or cefalexin.

Medications are then dispensed through the pharmacy via a private script.

With diagnoses being made in the absence of urine tests, the scheme has been labelled “dangerous” by GPs.