NSW pharmacists can now dispense medicines without a prescription and operate 24/7 under new measures introduced to help combat the spread of coronavirus.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard says a special authority has been granted to pharmacists to help people who can't access their GP.
"It gives our trusted community pharmacists the ability to dispense when people are not able to contact their GP to arrange a prescription at a time when we want everyone to stay home as much as possible," Mr Hazzard said in a statement on Tuesday.
The state government would also seek to prevent bulk purchases of prescription and over-the-counter medicines such as Ventolin brand inhalers to ensure fair access.
"I want to remind the community to not panic buy, not abuse staff, and be respectful of people who hold a very special place on the frontline of our fight to keep the community safe and well," Mr Hazzard said.
Australian Associated Press
