The Minns Labor Government is looking at ways to make it easier and fairer for the people of NSW to access medications and treatments through community pharmacies.
As part of this, we have a suite of measures in place which enable better access to treatment and medications through thousands of community pharmacies across the state.
Skin Treatments
People across NSW with common skin conditions can now permanently access treatment from their pharmacist, following the conclusion of the Dermatology phase of the NSW Pharmacy trial.
Following the success of the 12-month trial which enabled pharmacists to treat minor skin conditions the Minns Government has made this service permanent.
During the trial more than 3,200 patient consultations for minor skin conditions including impetigo (school sores), shingles, mild to moderate eczema and mild plaque psoriasis were undertaken at 470 pharmacies across the state.
Over a third of the pharmacies taking part in the trial are in regional or rural NSW, accounting for more than 40 per cent of skin consultations undertaken in the 12-month period.
Influenza treatment
In consultation with the NSW Pharmacy Guild and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, the Minns Labor Government is assessing ways to improve community access to antiviral medication to treat influenza.
Antiviral medications can be used to treat people with influenza or to help prevent infection during outbreaks or in people at higher risk of severe disease. Treatment with antiviral medications may help shorten the duration of disease, reduce the severity of symptoms and are especially important for members of the community with pre-existing conditions which make them more vulnerable.
Currently, antiviral medications can only be accessed through a medical or nurse practitioner.
ED presentations for respiratory illness remain high and are contributing to increased pressure on public hospitals. As of the week ending 31 August 2025, there were more than 840 ED presentations for influenza-like illness in NSW.
Quotes attributable to Premier Chris Minns:
"This is an important part of our work to build a fairer system for the people of NSW, removing red tape and making it much simpler to access medications.
"These changes save people time, and it might mean the difference between seeking treatment or not.
"By enabling pharmacists to help manage common conditions, we are increasing access to care and relieving pressure on our GPs and the public hospital system."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:
"By empowering pharmacists to help manage common conditions, we are increasing access to care and relieving pressure on our GPs and the public hospital system.
"The NSW Pharmacy Trial has made a real difference for patients. The success of the UTI and oral contraceptive resupply trials emphasises the importance of improving access to healthcare where and when people need it and it's exciting to see this expanded to people with minor skin conditions.
"We are also excited to be exploring initiatives like broadening access to antiviral medication for influenza at pharmacies.
"These reforms help ensure that people can access the essential health care they need, when they need it."
Quotes attributable to National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Trent Twomey:
"These reforms are a good next step. By making these services permanent, we're ensuring that patients, especially in rural and regional areas, can access timely, expert care from their local pharmacists. We look forward to consistency with other jurisdictions, such as QLD, NT, Tas, and WA."
