The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch (the Guild) welcomes the Victorian Government’s investment of $18 million to make the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot (the Pilot) permanent and expand the conditions pharmacists can treat patients for in Victoria.
The expansion of the healthcare services available in community pharmacies will include treatment for 22 everyday health conditions, including asthma, nausea, ear infections, wound management and type 2 diabetes.
This builds on the initial Pilot services providing treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), resupply of oral contraceptives, treatment for shingles and the flare up of mild plaque psoriasis, and travel health vaccinations.
The State Government’s $18 million investment will deliver free consultations for the 22 health conditions. This commitment makes Victoria the only State or Territory where there is no out-of-pocket cost for patients to visit a community pharmacy for a consultation for these expanded healthcare services.
“This is a smart, modern reform that puts patients first,” said George Tambassis, President of The Guild’s Victoria Branch.
“Pharmacists across the State already deliver convenient and accessible healthcare to patients every day. This announcement empowers community pharmacists to do even more for patients and that’s a win for every Victorian.”
Today’s announcement brings Victoria in line with other Australian states and territories and is a major step toward modernising primary healthcare delivery.
The original Pilot program has already demonstrated its effectiveness, with a 97 per cent patient satisfaction rate.1 In addition to positive patient outcomes, an independent evaluation found that 88 per cent of patients supported pharmacists being able to prescribe treatment for everyday health conditions – highlighting strong community confidence in the role of pharmacists.2
The initiative is also expected to significantly ease pressure on GPs and hospitals, particularly in regional and rural areas where access to primary care can be challenging. Nearly one in five regional Victorians currently wait three weeks or more to see a GP.2
“Victorians have told us they want easier access to healthcare. The Government has listened, and delivered,” Mr Tambassis said. “This is what modern healthcare looks like - local, efficient and built on collaboration.”
The Guild congratulates the Government on its evidence-based approach and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting pharmacists through this next phase of implementation.
A formal evaluation of the Pilot has today been released and reveals the strong clinical and public support for pharmacists to provide patients additional treatment options for everyday healthcare conditions.
“This reform future-proofs our health system. It’s good for patients, their families and local communities,” Mr Tambassis said.
The Guild now looks forward to working with the Department of Health and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth and effective rollout of treatment for all 22 health conditions, ensuring pharmacists across Victoria are well equipped to meet growing healthcare demands of their local communities.
ENDS
1. Victorian Government (2024): https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/10000-supported-pharmacy-pilot-passes-halfway-mark
2. Insightfully (2024). Scope of Practice
Media contact:
Nicole McLean
Nicole.McLean@vic.guild.org.au
0459 659 858
List of all 22 everyday health conditions:
- Acute nausea and vomiting
- Acute otitis externa (swimmer's ear) & acute otitis media (middle ear infection)
- Acute wound management
- Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose)
- Asthma and exercise induced bronchoconstriction
- Atopic dermatitis
- Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Program (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
- Herpes Zoster (shingles)
- Hormonal contraception
- Impetigo (skin inflection)
- Mild to moderate acne
- Musculoskeletal pain and inflammation
- Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) Resupply
- Oral health screening and fluoride application
- Psoriasis
- Smoking cessation
- Travel medicines
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Vaccination (National Immunisation Program (NIP) and non-NIP)
- Weight management for obesity