THE Victorian Government has committed to supporting expanded scope of practice for pharmacists, improving Victorians' access to safe and effective healthcare from their local pharmacist.
Announced as part of today's 2025-26 Budget, it includes an investment of $18 million to fund pharmacists to deliver expanded care through consultations in community pharmacies.
The number of conditions for which treatments can be prescribed will increase to 22 acute and chronic health conditions, aligning with similar programs in other jurisdictions.
Pharmacists who complete post-graduate training will be able to assess and treat additional conditions such as allergies, nausea and high blood pressure, giving Victorians greater flexibility in accessing care.
The government has also announced all streams of the Victorian Community Pharmacy Statewide Pilot, which has been trialled since Oct 2023 (PD 20 Oct 2023), will become permanent.
This includes treatment of urinary tract infections and many skin conditions, such as psoriasis, as well as prescribing for ongoing hormonal contraceptive and travel health vaccination.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) Victorian President, Dr Amy Page, applauded the announcement, saying the move represents significant progress towards realising the full potential of pharmacists.
"In Victoria, around the country and overseas, consumers have valued the ability to access safe and effective treatment of conditions such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections and shingles," Dr Page said.
"And they have also appreciated being able to access hormonal contraception and an increasing range of travel health services from more providers," she added.
Unlike in other states, patients will be able to access the service without the cost of a consultation fee, which has been lauded for "placing health equity front and centre in the program design", helping people in vulnerable priority populations to access care.
"There should be no wrong doors to our health system; clearly defined referral pathways will mean all consumers who seek to access these services are triaged and directed to the appropriate level of care for their needs," said Dr Page.
She also acknowledged Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas for "their leadership and their recognition of the skills and medicines expertise of pharmacists".
Anticipating resistance from doctors' groups, the government has pointed out the scheme will help reduce pressure on the health system and support Victorians who "cannot wait or pay for a visit to their GP". KB
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