WA pharmacists to treat 17 common conditions under enhanced access pilot
7 August 2025
Greater access to care through Western Australia’s community pharmacists is one step closer, with Minister Meredith Hammat MLA announcing 17 common acute and chronic conditions that will soon be treatable by qualified pharmacists.
The Enhanced Access Community Pharmacy Pilot will launch in late 2026, enabling patients to receive treatment for common health conditions directly from their local pharmacist. Conditions covered include:
- Asthma
- Smoking cessation
- Shingles
- Impetigo
- Mild psoriasis
- Mild to moderate acne
- Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis
- Mild, acute musculoskeletal pain
- Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis
- Acute otitis externa
- Acute otitis media
- Acute nausea and vomiting
- Acute minor wound management
- Gastro-oesophageal reflux and Gastro-oesophagael reflux disease
- Hormonal contraception
- Weight loss and management of obesity
- Oral health risk assessment and fluoride application
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) West Australian President Kristian Ray MPS welcomed the announcement, saying it reflects the growing role of pharmacists in providing timely, accessible care for more health concerns.
“Empowering pharmacists to practice to our full scope means giving our community access to timely care, when and where they need it,” Mr Ray said.
“Today’s announcement demonstrates just how much more pharmacists can do to support patients, building on the overwhelmingly positive evidence from pilots in Queensland and internationally.
“As pharmacists we are often the first point of contact for health advice, and this expanded scope means we can now do more for patients presenting with everyday conditions. By treating common illnesses and supporting chronic disease management, pharmacists are helping take pressure off a stretched health system,”
Queensland’s Community Pharmacy Pilot has successfully operated since April 2024, providing more than 1700 safe, accessible services to Queenslanders and is now a permanent feature of Queensland’s health system.
“Evidence from community pharmacy pilots across Australia is clear – pharmacist-led care has improved access, reduced wait times, and maintained strong patient safety outcomes. WA pharmacists are ready to deliver the same high-quality care to our communities.
“As the peak national body for pharmacists PSA is working closely with the WA Government to ensure pharmacists are equipped with the support they need to deliver these services safely and effectively,” Mr Ray concluded.
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
