Claire Antrobus FPS[/caption]
PSA’s newest State Manager shares her vision for a more connected profession and broader pharmacist-led care.
When Divya Lal stepped into the role of PSA New South Wales State Manager last month, she did so with a clear sense of purpose. Just weeks into the role, she brought together leading health figures, including NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park and PSA CEO Bridget Totterman, alongside new and emerging pharmacy leaders at the PSA in NSW Parliament 2026 breakfast – held at NSW Parliament on 27 May.
‘It’s about collaboration to strengthen the NSW healthcare system, caring for our communities, and capability – utilising pharmacists to their full capabilities,’ she told the room.
With experience spanning community pharmacy, pharmacy ownership, business development, and professional services, Ms Lal has spent her career at the intersection of clinical practice and system-level thinking – with a clear focus on mentoring the next generation of pharmacists.
‘A strong connection to the profession begins in the first year of university and continues throughout a pharmacist’s career,’ she said. ‘By creating more opportunities for students, interns, and early career pharmacists to engage with experienced pharmacists, we can build confidence, strengthen professional networks, and inspire the next generation of leaders within the profession.’
It’s a philosophy that reflects both her personal journey and her vision for the future of the pharmacy profession in her new role with PSA.
‘I am proud to advocate on behalf of more than 11,500 pharmacists across NSW, particularly as we continue to expand opportunities for pharmacists and contribute to improved patient care,’ Ms Lal told AP.
‘I want our members to feel supported, connected, and represented. I am here to listen and I hope to meet as many pharmacists as possible.’
Building bridges
The parliamentary event served as Ms Lal’s opening statement as PSA NSW State Manager. Bringing together parliamentarians from both sides of the chamber, NSW Health figures, and PSA and pharmacy leaders – it was designed to build momentum for expanded scope of practice.
After being introduced by Ms Lal, PSA NSW Branch Committee President Luke Kelly made the case for reform by making it personal.
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Recovering from a recent knee replacement, Mr Kelly watched nurses quietly withhold his blood pressure medication when his readings dropped too low.
‘It struck me that this is such a sensible thing to do – not bother the surgeon or my GP for such an obvious step,’ he said.
‘This was nurses working within their scope. And it’s exactly why PSA is advocating for pharmacists to work within theirs. We are faced with obvious solutions that the current framework doesn’t allow us to provide.’
A government listening
In his address, NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park highlighted the government’s view of pharmacists as central to the system’s future.
‘We are committed to continuing to expand the role and scope of practice that pharmacists play,’ Minister Park said. ‘We need to make healthcare more accessible to the community, and that means looking at the way we take pressure off the system and use our skilled professionals across a range of healthcare professions.’
Pointing to the success of recent reforms – including the roll-out of oral contraceptive continuation, UTI treatment and skin infection services – he also took the opportunity to announce the expansion of the new intranasal influenza vaccine, FluMist, to children aged 2–17.
‘This is all about trying to make healthcare as accessible and as affordable as we can, but also to prepare our community for what could be a very challenging winter – and you are at the front line of that,’ Minister Park told attendees.
He also acknowledged the particular importance of pharmacists in regional, rural, and remote communities, where the ‘tyranny of distance’ means pharmacists often need to fill healthcare gaps.
‘Those rural and regional and remote members here today – thank you,’ Minister Park said. ‘Because you do an enormous amount of lifting, often more than what your city counterparts have to work through.’
He also spoke to the next generation, referencing conversations with young pharmacists across the state who are eager to put their full training to use.
‘They’re highly trained, highly skilled individuals, and we as a government need to be looking at ways in which we can provide them, in a safe and evidence-based way, with the opportunity to continue to develop their careers.’
What’s next for scope of practice?
For Ms Lal, the breakfast event was a starting point in the push to expand what pharmacists can do.
‘There is a growing need for NSW to progress towards broader scope of practice models, including the management of additional acute conditions, expanded chronic disease management services, preventive healthcare initiatives, and the removal of unnecessary barriers to pharmacist-led vaccination services,’ she said.
Rather than a turf war, she sees this as a rebalancing of the healthcare system in favour of patients.
‘Scope expansion is not about replacing other healthcare professionals. It is about ensuring patients receive timely care from the most appropriate clinician,’ she said.
‘As highly trained medicines experts and one of the most accessible healthcare professionals, pharmacists are well positioned to improve access to care, reduce treatment delay, and contribute to better health outcomes.’
She is also focused on connecting the diverse sectors of pharmacy – hospital, general practice, community, industry, prescribing, academia and compounding, among others – in ways that allow pharmacists to move between roles and continue growing throughout their careers.
‘As our industry changes and new roles emerge, I see it as a responsibility to connect the different parts of pharmacy together,’ Ms Lal said. ‘Whether a pharmacist is seeking to expand their scope of practice, transition into a new area, or pursue leadership opportunities, PSA can play a pivotal role in supporting that journey.’
