On World Pharmacists Day, new research reveals a major gap: half of Australians are unaware of the full care their local pharmacist can provide, even though pharmacists remain highly trusted and widely accessible.
A new study found that while 82 per cent of Australians visit a pharmacy regularly and 84 per cent trust the medical advice they receive, nearly half are unaware pharmacists can provide prescription medicines, medical certificates for short-term illness, and treatment for common conditions such as urinary tract infections (UTIs)1.
Data shows four in 10 Australians face unacceptable GP wait times, with one in 10 waiting more than three weeks. In regional areas, the problem is worse, with nearly half of patients facing unacceptable delays to see a GP, and one in five waiting over three weeks2.
Despite pharmacists being among the most trusted and accessible health professionals, many Australians remain unaware they can treat common conditions, supply certain prescriptions and issue medical certificates. This awareness gap is forcing patients into longer GP queues and adding strain to an already stretched health system, when timely care could often be delivered immediately by a local pharmacist.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey, said the findings highlight the urgent need to unlock the full potential of pharmacies.
"Australians already make 440 million visits to their pharmacist each year, but half don't know the full scope of care available. That's a gap we can close today," Professor Twomey said.
"Pharmacists are in every main street and every community, and people trust them. Yet too many Australians still don't realise that highly trained pharmacists can provide immediate help with everyday health conditions like a UTI, a sick certificate or the resupply of certain prescriptions. That mismatch is blocking access to faster, more local care, and it's keeping pressure on GPs and hospitals when the system can least afford it."
The Guild has set an ambitious goal for 80 per cent of pharmacists to retrain and upskill over the next decade. Internal modelling shows this could free up 6.5 million GP consultations and more than 52,000 emergency department hours every year, unlocking enormous capacity across the health system.
"Australia's community pharmacies are often the most accessible healthcare provider, with many open after hours and on weekends. In more than 300 towns, the community pharmacy is the only frontline healthcare provider. Nearly every Australian lives within 2.5km of a pharmacy, and visits, on average, every three weeks," Professor Twomey said.
"This time last year only community pharmacies in Queensland could offer treatment for everyday health conditions. Now, women across Australia can receive treatment for an uncomplicated UTI, pilots in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have become permanent practice, and Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania have made commitments to expand the range of services available in pharmacies.
"In Queensland, community pharmacists are supporting patients with long-term or chronic conditions like high blood pressure, asthma and type 2 diabetes.
"Every time a pharmacist provides a medical certificate, treats a UTI, supplies and or prescribes contraceptives or administers a vaccination, that's one less GP consult or potentially preventable hospital admission.
"Pharmacists are advocates for their patients, making sure they don't face unnecessary barriers to care. The Guild is committed to freeing up our overstretched health system, and by expanding awareness of what's already available, Australians can get the right care sooner, closer to home."
On this World Pharmacists Day, the Guild is calling for a shift in mindset: empowering Australians to 'think pharmacy-first' for everyday health care needs.
- Research by YouGov, September 2025, sample size was 1,030 adults. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Australian adults (aged 18+).
- Research by Insightfully, April 2024, sample size of 3,453, including strong sub-samples across regional and metropolitan areas.
Australians already make 440 million visits to their pharmacist each year, but half don't know the full scope of care available. That's a gap we can close today
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey
Every time a pharmacist provides a medical certificate, treats a UTI, supplies and or prescribes contraceptives or administers a vaccination, that's one less GP consult or potentially preventable hospital admission.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey
