Some creams or drops for minor ailments are also included in the plans
Photo by New plans are being brought to Cabinet which will see people no longer needing a doctor's prescription for the contraception pill.
Some creams or drops for minor ailments are also included in the plan.
Minister Stephen Donnelly's health bill looks to allow pharmacists to prescribe some medicines.
They will also substitute prescription drugs in the event of a shortage.
Medicines will be approved on a phased basis by an expert group, according to the Health Minister.
Minister Donnelly says he hopes it will help GPs, who are "flat out":
"There are fairly minor conditions, like certain skin conditions and conjunctivitis or whatever it might be, pharmacists are more than capable of identifying and issuing a prescription for it but we all have to go to GPs.
"GPs are already flat out. So, what we want is the expert group to advise on any areas where it is clinically appropriate and safe for the pharmacist to provide."
