Joe O’Malley, Tasmanian Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild, said the Tasmanian Government had listened to community pharmacists and thanked them for their work to deliver on commitments that will make a real difference in the health system.
“We are delighted to see the Government hitting the ground running on commonsense reforms that will increase patient access to the care and health services they need”, said Mr O’Malley.
“2026 is shaping up as huge year for community pharmacy and Tasmanian patients, with more services to be available at more pharmacies than ever before.
“The Government has now put in place the authorisation for appropriately trained community pharmacists to initiate and supply hormonal contraception services, meaning Tasmanian women will have more options to discuss their reproductive health in the near future.”
Already more than 30 community pharmacists have commenced the necessary training, and Tasmanians are encouraged to visit Find a Pharmacy from early next year to see whether their local pharmacy is offering these services.
“The Government is also finalising the first round of scholarship offers that will support over one hundred Tasmanian community pharmacists to complete expanded scope training”, said Mr O’Malley.
“The first cohort to do this training in Tasmania will commence in January, and community pharmacists all over the state can’t wait to get on with providing more care and treatment for over twenty health conditions under this innovative and safe model.”
Mr O’Malley also noted the Parliament had passed interstate prescriptions reforms this week.
“We sincerely thank the Parliament for getting this done."
“These changes will mean Tasmanian patients who access treatment through mainland medical professionals will finally be able to have their scripts dispensed here.
“This is a win for patients and a win for local health professionals, who will be able to deliver more efficient care.”
The changes to interstate prescriptions are expected to be in place in early 2026.