With cost-of-living pressures weighing heavily on Australians, Cleanbill’s latest report has underscored the rising challenges of accessing affordable healthcare.
Fewer than one in four GP clinics now offer bulk billing to non-concession adults, and average out-of-pocket costs exceed $40 nationwide. As these issues dominate public concern ahead of the upcoming federal election, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia is urging patients to ‘Think Pharmacy First’ for accessible, affordable, and professional care.
The impact of rising healthcare costs is stark, particularly for vulnerable populations. In Victoria, new data from Cancer Council Victoria reveals that cancer patients and survivors are skipping essential scans, medications, and follow-up tests due to financial strain. Calls to Cancer Council Victoria’s helpline for financial counselling surged by 52% in 2024, highlighting the critical need for affordable healthcare solutions. Many patients are grappling with the dual burden of managing their health while dealing with mounting everyday expenses such as utilities and mortgage payments.
“Patients are making impossible choices,” said Danielle Spence, head of strategy and support at Cancer Council Victoria. “We’re devastated to hear of people going without cancer recovery drugs or skipping follow-up scans and tests because they can’t afford them.”
Key findings
- Fewer than 1 in 4 GP clinics bulk bill non-concession adults, with bulk billing rates dropping 11.1% nationally in one year.
- Average out-of-pocket GP costs now exceed $40, adding to household cost-of-living pressures.
- Over 1.2 million Australians skipped GP visits in 2022-23 due to cost concerns, double the figure from the previous year.
- Cancer patients in Victoria are skipping medication and scans due to cost, with calls for financial counselling up by 52%.
- Community pharmacies offer accessible, affordable care, often with extended weekday and weekend hours.
The problem: Rising costs are impacting accessibility
Guild National President, Professor Trent Twomey, said community pharmacies play a crucial role in easing healthcare costs for everyday Australians.
“No one should have to go without the health treatment they need,” Professor Twomey said.
“Highly trained community pharmacists provide an important service to patients with non-complex everyday health conditions. State and federal governments can also make a difference by increasing the range of conditions that can be treated in a pharmacy – and making this consistent across the country.
“Our own research shows that over the past three years, 21% of Australians – that’s 3.75 million people – have been unable to afford prescription medication due to cost. Pharmacists are working every day to reduce this burden, collaborating with GPs, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.”
Cost-of-living pressures, including healthcare affordability, are set to be defining issues in the federal election campaign. Expanding the scope of pharmacists to treat more everyday conditions offers governments a ready-made solution to improve affordability and accessibility for patients while reducing strain on overburdened GPs and hospitals.
Regional variations in GP access
Community pharmacies already deliver a range of essential health services, such as vaccinations, treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), and oral contraceptive resupply. In some states and territories, pharmacists also manage additional conditions like minor skin ailments and musculoskeletal pain.
Professor Twomey called on governments to further utilise community pharmacies, describing them as a vital part of Australia’s healthcare system.
“The Guild will continue to call on the government to make medicine more affordable and reduce the pressure on our doctors and hospitals by offering a cost-effective, available, professional alternative,” he said.
Patients can visit Find a Pharmacy to locate their nearest pharmacy, book consultations, and explore the services available and access the full report there: Cleanbill 2025 Blue Report.
