Under the current program, trained community pharmacists can provide treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), mild plaque psoriasis, shingles, resupply of oral contraceptives, and select travel vaccines. These services have made healthcare more accessible, especially in regional and rural areas where access to GPs is limited.
With the pilot ending on 30 June 2025, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch is advocating for the Victorian Government to make it permanent and allow pharmacists to treat more common health conditions. Under an expanded level of service, pharmacists would be able to deliver treatments for 23 everyday health issues such as asthma, nausea, hay fever, and wounds.
These expanded services would help ease pressure on the wider health system and deliver better access to care, particularly in regional and rural areas, where nearly 1 in 5 patients wait three weeks or more to see a GP.
This would mean more people could walk in to their local pharmacy, be seen by a highly trained pharmacist, and leave with the treatment they need -- all in the same visit.
The pilot is already delivering strong results. Ninety-seven percent of patients reported being satisfied with the service, with thousands of Victorians receiving timely treatment without needing to visit a GP or emergency department.
For many, especially in regional and rural communities, the ability to walk into a pharmacy and leave with the treatment they need on the same day is a game-changer.
Pharmacists are highly trusted healthcare professionals, and ready to support more patients with everyday health concerns and provide care that is fast, convenient, and close to home.
“The Guild remains committed to working with the Government to ensure pharmacist-led care becomes a permanent part of Victoria’s health system, so every Victorian has access to safe, affordable, and timely healthcare close to home,” said George Tambassis, President of the Pharmacy Guild Australia, Victoria Branch.
Patients can find their nearest pharmacy offering these services with Find a Pharmacy, Australia’s trusted pharmacy locator website.
