The state government has invested $18 million to make the Victorian Pharmacist Statewide Pilot permanent, and expanded the conditions pharmacists can treat.
Previously, the pilot offered treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, resupply of oral contraceptives, treatment for shingles and mild plaque psoriasis flare-ups, and travel health vaccinations.
The pilot expansion will include treatment for asthma, nausea, wound management, and type 2 diabetes, among other everyday conditions.
List of all 22 health condition treatments
- Acute nausea and vomiting
- Swimmer’s ear and middle ear infections
- Acute wound management
- Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis (inflammation of the nose)
- Asthma and exercise induced bronchoconstriction
- Atopic dermatitis
- Cardiovascular Disease Risk Reduction Program (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia)
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux
- Herpes Zoster (shingles)
- Hormonal contraception
- Impetigo (skin inflection)
- Mild to moderate acne
- Musculoskeletal pain and inflammation
- Oral contraceptive pill resupply
- Oral health screening and fluoride application
- Psoriasis
- Smoking cessation
- Travel medicines
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections
- Vaccination (National Immunisation Program and non-NIP)
- Weight management for obesity.
In Echuca, four pharmacies are currently part of the pilot, including Amcal Pharmacy, Direct Chemist Outlet, Chem Save Rich River, and Chemist Warehouse.
Bookings may be required for services, most of which are free, and not all pharmacies will offer the expanded list of treatments, according to BetterHealth Victoria.
With nearly one in five regional Victorians currently waiting three weeks or more to see a GP, according to research group Insightfully, the initiative is expected to ease some of this pressure.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victoria Branch has welcomed the announcement, which brings the state in line with others across the country.
Victorian Branch president George Tambassis said the initiative was a smart, modern reform that put patients first.
“This announcement empowers community pharmacists to do even more for patients, and that’s a win for every Victorian,” he said.
“This reform future-proofs our health system. It’s good for patients, their families and local communities.”
The initiative will be rolled out statewide over the next two years, with more information available at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/community-pharmacist-pilot
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