“Community pharmacies are an important part of every community they serve. Australia's more than 6000 community pharmacies provide primary healthcare while supporting jobs and boosting local economies,” Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Professor Trent Twomey said.
“Community pharmacies are now providing an increased range of support to patients for everyday health conditions. In every state and territory patients can go to a community pharmacist for their vaccination needs and women can now receive treatment for an uncomplicated UTI. This is great news for patients and primary health.
“Patients can also visit their community pharmacy for considered advice about health products and over-the-counter medications.”
Each community pharmacy employs an average of 12.6 people and the community pharmacy workforce totals more than 74,400 people.
Community pharmacies have convenient opening hours—an average of nine hours per day or 61 hours a week and accessible locations: 74 per cent of all Australians live within 2.5km of a community pharmacy. Ninety-six per cent of capital city Australians live within 2.5km of a community pharmacy. In 332 regional towns across Australia, community pharmacies are the only healthcare destination.
“I encourage all Australians to Think Pharmacy First this Small Business Saturday and every other day to keep our vital community pharmacy small business sector thriving,” Professor Twomey said.
To find a community pharmacy near you visit www.FindAPharmacy.com.au