Victorians will now be able to get more conditions treated at the chemist - with the Allan Labor Government expanding its Chemist Care Now program.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas today joined the team at Richmond Traders Priceline to announce new conditions have been added to the program - helping Victorians avoid an unnecessary trip to the doctor while freeing up GPs to see people with more complex conditions.
With consultations remaining free, busy families will now be able to seek treatment for the common skin infection impetigo, known as 'school sores' - making it easier to get their kids the care they need.
Access to affordable and convenient care for Victorian women will be strengthened, with the addition of two new hormonal contraceptives options - the injectable depot and the vaginal ring - available for resupply, without needing a prescription.
Women experiencing menopause will also benefit, with pharmacists able to provide a resupply of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) without a prescription later next year.
Over the next two years, Chemist Care Now will grow to include 22 treatments for common health conditions - with participating pharmacists able to undertake short-form training to deliver each new service.
It builds on the existing program which currently offers treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, skin conditions such as shingles, travel vaccines including hepatitis A and B, and the resupply of the contraceptive pill.
Following a successful pilot, the Labor Government made Chemist Care Now permanent earlier this year, supported by a $18 million investment in the Victorian Budget 2025/26.
It has been a clear winner with Victorians - delivering more than 66,000 services at more than 800 pharmacies across Victoria since the pilot began.
To support the program, the Labor Government also recently announced the Graduate Certificate of Pharmacist Prescribing at Monash University - a new training pathway for more pharmacists to participate.
The course is accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council and adds to courses developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and other training organisations.
The Chemist Care Now program adds to other Labor Government initiatives including 29 Urgent Care Clinics, and the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, making care easier to access for all Victorians.
To find a participating pharmacy, please visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/about-chemist-care-now.
As stated by Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas
"We're expanding Chemist Care Now so pharmacists can treat more conditions - making it easier for Victorians to get the care they need without a visit to the GP."
"The addition of two more hormonal contraceptives to the program is a gamechanger for women, while adding school sores to the skin conditions to be treated means children can return to childcare or school sooner."
As stated by The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victoria Branch President George Tambassis
"Enabling pharmacists to provide a greater level of care for more conditions gives Victorians access to safe and effective treatment for more everyday healthcare needs at their local community pharmacy."
"We look forward to the first Victorian-trained prescribing pharmacists being able to do even more for patients in line with other Australian states and territories as Victoria's program services expand further over the next two years."
As stated by Pharmaceutical Society of Australia Victorian President Atinuke Abraham FPS
"This expansion improves access to safe and effective health care for Victorians, complementing the existing services for uncomplicated UTIs, shingles, plaque psoriasis, and travel health."
"With PSA's training formally recognised by the Victorian government earlier this month, it's an exciting time to be a pharmacist in Victoria."
