Community pharmacist scope of practice in Victoria

The Victorian Government’s announcement on 20 May 2025 that the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot (the Pilot) will become the permanent and the health conditions pharmacists can treat patients for in Victoria will be further expanded, is a win for patients across the State. 

This commitment brings certainty to patients and pharmacies delivering expanded scope services and is a major step towards modernising primary healthcare delivery.

The ongoing Community Pharmacist Program

The Community Pharmacist Pilot will become an ongoing Community Pharmacist Program (the Program) from 1 July 2025.

Over the next two years, additional common health conditions and well-being services will be introduced to the Program, bringing the total to 22 services pharmacists can offer. 

The list of all 22 everyday health conditions community pharmacists will be able to treat is included with the Guild’s media release welcoming the announcement.

Updated information on the transition from the Pilot to a permanent program is being made available on the Pilot website.

Free patient consultations

A key part of the Government’s announcement is its nation-leading $18 million investment to deliver free patient consultations under the permanent the Program. 

This commitment makes Victoria the only State or Territory where, on most occasions, there is no out-of-pocket cost for patients to visit a community pharmacy for a consultation for these expanded healthcare services. 

Pharmacies will continue to receive a $20 payment from the State Government per consultation.

Changes to the medication subsidy 

From 1 July 2025, the medication subsidy that has been provided by the Victorian Government during the Pilot will conclude.  

This means from 1 July, patients will need to pay the full medication price. The subsidy will be in place for all May and June consultations. 

Ahead of the July change, the Department of Health will send out communications to pharmacists on how to manage this change with patients.

Pilot evaluation 

The Government has completed an evaluation of the Pilot’s first 12 months of operation. The evaluation found that of the more than 23,000 services provided in that time, no serious safety concerns were reported, and levels of patient satisfaction were consistently high. 

The report is available to view online at Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot: Summary report.