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.