Pharmacists appear ready for an increased workload under a proposed expansion of services.

The Government's considering letting pharmacists prescribe funded medicines for common conditions like scabies and head lice, as well as for UTIs and the emergency contraceptive pill.

Until now, people have needed a GP prescription or had to pay the medication's full pharmacy price.

Mangawhai Pharmacy Director Lanny Wong told Ryan Bridge pharmacists treat these conditions already, people just have to pay.

She says it's nothing new but demand will likely increase.

LISTEN ABOVE