Pharmacy Daily | Students skip food for prac

PLACEMENT poverty is an issue deeply affecting pharmacy students, with 86% having experienced financial hardship due to mandatory unpaid placements, revealed the peak pharmacy student body's national survey.

National Australian Pharmacy Students Association (NAPSA) President, Sebastian Harper, told Pharmacy Daily that the NAPSA Placement Poverty Survey highlighted that a similar proportion had to take unpaid leave from paid employment during their placement, which only exacerbated the financial burden.

"What's even more concerning is that 54% stated they've had to forego meals on placement because of financial difficulties," said Harper.

"No one should be choosing between putting food on the table and continuing their studies."

The NAPSA Placement Poverty Survey testimonials highlight the dire situation: "I will be doing my placement in 2026, and as I have become aware that the prac placements are unpaid, and I am thinking a lot about my placement and financial status.

"I feel if I do not get paid during placements, I won't be to take up my placements."

Another student added that, "I work two jobs to afford my rent and other bills, sometimes food comes second".

"I don't come from a wealthy family, so it is not easy getting help from my mum.

"I am about to undergo my first four-week placement and will not be able to work to cover four weeks worth of rent and bills.

"It has caused a lot of stress for me, and saving is difficult at this point in time."

While yet another testimonial stated, "having to borrow money to afford fuel and rent while I was on placement as I waited for my next paycheck".

"I have three kids and a mortgage, and I skipped lunches every day of prac."

These and more statements were part of an open letter to Federal Education Minister Jason Clare by the Australian Pharmacy Leaders Forum, an independent coalition of national pharmacy organisations, that is pushing for reform in the sector. JG