Campaigners who launched an online petition aimed at stopping plans to allow pharmacies to operate in the absence of a qualified pharmacist are just under 2,000 signatures away from forcing a government response.

The petition, which has 8,013 signatures, needs 10,000 signatures by April 18 to bring about a ministerial reply.

The issue of remote supervision has been hotly debated ever since the government laid out proposals that will enable a pharmacist to work as the responsible pharmacist for more than one pharmacy at a time.

That would leave other pharmacies under their control without a pharmacist physically present to supervise the supply of medicines.

“Whilst a pharmacy is open it is a fundamental patient right that a qualified pharmacist is available on site at all times to consult in person, without the need for an appointment. Patient safety would be jeopardised if a pharmacist wasn't present in a pharmacy,” the petition says.

“The government has proposed that pharmacists could end up signed in as the responsible pharmacist for more than one pharmacy at a time and therefore not physically available to patients.

“The government's proposals will ultimately lead to medicines dispensing and supply taking place without the supervision of a pharmacist. This will be detrimental to patient care and safety and the legislative changes must not go ahead.”

Picture: AlexLMX (iStock)