PSA applauds expanded prescribing scope for Victorian pharmacists: A win for patients
20 May 2025
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to support expanded scope of practice for pharmacists, which will improve access to safe and effective health care for Victorians across the state from their local pharmacist.
Announced as part of today’s 2025-26 Budget, the Victorian Government has announced an investment of $18 million to fund pharmacists to deliver expanded care through consultations in community pharmacies.
The number of conditions for which treatments will be prescribed by pharmacists will increase to 22 acute and chronic health conditions, aligning with the scope of existing post-graduate training offered to pharmacists by PSA in other jurisdictions.
Pharmacists who complete post-graduate training will be able to assess and treat additional conditions such as allergies, nausea and high blood pressure, giving Victorians greater flexibility in accessing care. Patients will be able to access the service without the cost of a consultation fee, at the place and time of their choosing.
The government has also announced all streams of the Victorian Community Pharmacy Statewide Pilot will become permanent, which includes treatment of urinary tract infections (UTI) and many skin conditions, as well as prescribing for ongoing hormonal contraceptive and travel health vaccination.
The state government will fund pharmacist consultation fees for the expanded program, so patients will be able to access the care they need without an out-of-pocket cost. Victorians will save time and money with this investment.
PSA Victorian President Dr Amy Page FPS applauded the announcement, saying the move represents significant progress towards realising the full potential of pharmacists after similar recent announcements in other states.
“In Victoria, around the country and overseas, consumers have valued the ability to access safe and effective treatment of conditions such as uncomplicated urinary tract infections and shingles. And they have also appreciated being able to access hormonal contraception and an increasing range of travel health services from more providers.
“I commend the government for placing health equity front and centre in the program design. Unlike other states, Victorians will have access to consultations with pharmacist without an out-of-pocket consultation fee, which is so important in helping people in vulnerable priority populations to access care”.
“There should be no wrong doors to our health system; clearly defined referral pathways will mean all consumers to seek to access these services are triaged and directed to the appropriate level of care for their needs.”
“I want to recognise Premier Jacinta Allan and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas for their leadership and their recognition of the skills and medicines expertise of pharmacists. PSA looks forward to working closely with the state government to deliver more accessible, safe and effective care for all Victorians” Dr Page concluded.
