The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch, has welcomed the Victorian Government’s announcement allowing pharmacists to treat minor skin conditions and reissue oral contraceptives and medication for uncomplicated UTIs.
This followed the 2023-24 Victorian State Budget allocation of $20 million to support the delivery of the Andrews Labor Government’s election commitment to a 12-month expanded scope of practice pilot for pharmacists.
The pilot program is due to commence from October this year.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is among the expert advisory and clinical groups providing guidance to the Victorian Government on the design and implementation of the pilot.
Victorian Pharmacy Guild Branch President Anthony Tassone said the pharmacist scope of practice pilot would provide improved healthcare outcomes for patients across the State.
“Pharmacists are highly skilled and qualified medicines experts, who already assess, diagnose and treat common conditions every day,” he said.
“Authorising pharmacists to treat uncomplicated UTIs, skin conditions and issue repeat oral contraceptive prescriptions is a practical step that will help relieve the burden on our overstretched health system and ensure patients have access to the routine healthcare services they need.”
Announcing the pilot, Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said: “We’re doing what matters – making it easier and cheaper for Victorians to get the care they need.
“It’s hard enough to see a GP, let alone one that bulk bills and that’s why we’re launching a 12-month pilot to test an expanded role for community pharmacists.
“Our community pharmacists have a wealth of experience and knowledge – they can recognise when there’s a simple solution and when things need to be escalated to a doctor.”
