- Cook Labor Government to subsidise up to 200 additional pharmacists through $4 million investment in State Budget 2026-27
- Pharmacists in pilot program to diagnose and treat everyday conditions
- About one in three pharmacists in the program are based in regional Western Australia
- Cook Labor Government focused on ensuring Western Australians can the access the healthcare they need, when they need it
The Cook Labor Government has invested a further $4.1 million in State Budget 2026-27 to significantly boost access to primary care across Western Australia, through the Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot.
Under the pilot, qualified pharmacists will be able to diagnose and treat an additional 17 mild, common conditions, including asthma, shingles, and acne.
By upskilling more pharmacists more Western Australians will be able to access care early, particularly people based in, or near, regional towns where GP (general practitioner) access is limited.
There are currently 80 pharmacists undertaking subsidised training, with about one in three based in regional Western Australia. The extra funding will support up to an additional 200 pharmacists from metropolitan Perth and regional WA to start their training.
The first group of pharmacists are expected to start diagnosing and prescribing later this year after the successful completion of the training. Proposed legislative amendments to the Medicines and Poisons Regulations 2016 are progressing to enable pharmacist prescribing.
Included in the pilot will be funding for patient safety and compliance, and an awareness campaign so that consumers are aware of the extended services.
As stated by Health Minister Meredith Hammat:
"There has been a lot of interest from pharmacists who want to undertake this additional training so they can give their communities the healthcare they need, when they need it.
"This expanded pilot will provide a significant boost to primary healthcare access for Western Australians, particularly those living in areas facing GP shortages.
"This training is now available to any eligible pharmacist who wants to apply, however through the subsidy we hope to support even more pharmacists, so cost is not a barrier.
" This is part of the Cook Labor Government's focus on ensuring Western Australians can the access the healthcare they need, when they need it."
