The peak body representing community pharmacists has defended the practice of sick notes being offered by pharmacists for just $25, to avoid booking an appointment with a GP.

Tom Elliott questioned whether it invited people who were perfectly well to take a sick day and if it’s too easy to obtain an “absent from work certificate” from a pharmacist.

A post on Instagram shows a sign out the front of the Torquay Pharmacy offering them for $25.

Victorian President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Anthony Tassone, encouraged people to start by having a discussion with their pharmacist.

“It’s within their scope of practice to be able to provide an absence of work certificate,” he said.

“What’s important for your listeners to know is that where a pharmacy may advertise their services it’s not a guarantee you are going to get an absence of work certificate.”

The certificates can be issued under strict guidelines set by the guild and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, but there are some exemptions including pregnancy related queries or compassionate leave.

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Photo: Instagram