General News
5 June, 2025
Pharmacy services expanded in Wimmera
Pharmacists in the Wimmera region are welcoming a significant boost to local healthcare, following the Victorian Government's announcement of an $18 million investment to make the Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot permanent.
The move means community pharmacies will soon be able to treat up to 22 common health conditions, including asthma, nausea, ear infections, wound care and type 2 diabetes, without patients needing to visit a GP or hospital.
Amcal Pharmacy Horsham owner and pharmacist Carlie Streeter said the announcement was a welcome step forward for regional communities.
"It's great that the pilot's been made permanent," she said.
"Residents can sometimes have difficulty getting access to a GP, particularly on weekends or public holidays.
"This means they can access health services in a timely and affordable way."
Currently, five services trialled under the pilot will become 'business as usual' in community pharmacies, which include the supply of the oral contraceptive pill, treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections, travel vaccinations, treatment of mild plaque psoriasis, and shingles care.
"These services are now just part of everyday practice for pharmacists who have completed the required training," Ms Streeter said.
Over the next two years, an additional 17 services will be rolled out through the program.
Ms Streeter said the process would be gradual, as pharmacists need to undergo significant upskilling.
"It's not something that can be switched on overnight, as there'll be a lot of extra training," she said.
The expanded model will ease pressure on GPs and emergency departments by allowing patients to be seen sooner for minor conditions.
"If people previously had no other option but to present at ED, they may now be able to present at their pharmacy and be seen sooner," Ms Streeter said.
She said the investment was also exciting for the pharmacy profession, particularly in rural areas.
"It's created a lot of excitement in younger pharmacists who want to do more than just fill scripts," she said.
"This gives them a challenge and an opportunity to specialise."
With the cost of living a growing concern, Ms Streeter also praised the decision to fund consultation fees.
"We weren't expecting funding, we were just hoping for a legislative change," she said.
"The fact that consults will be covered is a pleasant surprise and will help people who may otherwise go without care."
She said women's health should be a priority in the next stage of the rollout, with services such as hormonal contraception initiation and treatment for minor skin infections in children high on the list.
"What we want for our community is safe, affordable and timely healthcare," she said.
"People in regions shouldn't be missing out, and they should be able to access healthcare when they need it."