Australia's community pharmacies continue to be the most accessible frontline primary healthcare provider as cost‑of‑living pressure, long waits for care and rising demand drive more patients to seek timely help closer to home.
These are the findings from the Community Pharmacy Industry Insights Report 2026 released today by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in partnership with Westpac.
- Australians visited their local pharmacy 18 times on average last year, outstripping every other part of the primary care system.
- With more than 6,000 community pharmacies nationwide and extended opening hours across the week, pharmacies are now the most accessible and frequently visited primary healthcare destination in the country.
- Community pharmacists delivered more than 80,500 consultations for the diagnosis and treatment of non‑complex urinary tract infections in 2025
- 29% of all flu vaccines were administered by community pharmacists in 2025.
- Online pharmacy transactions fell by 10%, a counter trend defying typical retail patterns.
- Prescription volumes remain flat, following the government's change to 60-day dispensing.
The data suggests that when it comes to healthcare, Australians still want in‑person, expert support, particularly for unexpected or everyday health conditions that cannot wait.
Pharmacy Guild National President, Professor Trent Twomey, said the findings confirmed a significant shift in the way Australians access healthcare.
"Community pharmacy is Australia's most accessible and trusted frontline primary healthcare destination. Australians visit us every three weeks on average, often when they can't get into a GP, when a child can't sleep because of an ear infection, or when that painful UTI strikes and they need immediate help," Professor Twomey said.
"We know 90% of Australians support the expansion of in-pharmacy care and patients are voting with their feet. They want timely care from highly trained health professionals they trust. That's exactly what community pharmacists provide every day across the country."
The report also identifies rapid business transformation across community pharmacy, including digital check‑in systems, private consultation rooms, automated dispensing technology, and new partnership models with allied health professionals.
Westpac's National General Manager Healthcare & Professional Services, Belinda Hegarty, said the bank is seeing strong confidence and investment across the sector.
"Community pharmacy remains one of the most resilient and future‑ready parts of Australia's health economy. We are seeing consistent demand for funding to support modern care models, digital upgrades and expanded clinical service offerings," Ms Hegarty said.
"The pharmacies investing in contemporary, patient‑centred models are experiencing stronger growth and deeper community engagement — and they are increasingly becoming local health hubs delivering care where and when communities need it."
