The role of community pharmacy in primary health care
In Australia, community pharmacists are increasingly recognised as an essential part of the frontline healthcare system. They are delivering a broad range of primary health services, more so than ever before.
Queensland pharmacists are leading the way and can now prescribe and manage treatment for a range of everyday health conditions. Enabling pharmacists in other states and territories to provide these same services will provide patients with universal access to health services regardless of where they live, be it within a city or in regional and rural areas.
Pharmacists’ ability to extend into the far reaches of Australian communities is unique. A high proportion of the Australian population have access to a community pharmacy within a 2.5-5km radius of where they live. It just makes sense to utilise this network of trained professionals who stand ready to do more.
The interactive tool below shows the progress of each state and territory.
Scope of Practice - State & Territory Progress
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Australian Capital Territory
A select number of ACT community pharmacists can now treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women and resupply oral contraceptive pills. Soon, they will be able to manage minor skin conditions like shingles and impetigo.
For more details, visit ACT Government Health.
New South Wales
In New South Wales, community pharmacists can now provide treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections as permanent practice. Through a pilot program, they are also able to offer consultations on the resupply of oral contraceptive pills and manage minor skin conditions such as impetigo and shingles for eligible patients.
For more details, visit NSW Community Pharmacy Pilot.
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has amended legislation to allow community pharmacists to prescribe medications, marking a significant step forward. While official programs are yet to be announced, this change paves the way for pharmacists to offer enhanced healthcare services. Supported by additional postgraduate education, this initiative will ensure pharmacists can fully utilise their skills, providing patients with timely and quality care close to home.
On 25 July, the NT’s Country Liberal Party made a pre-election commitment regarding the Northern Territory Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice program. If implemented, this will enable community pharmacists to treat 21 everyday health conditions, such as school sores, shingles, oral contraception, and to provide antibiotic treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Stay tuned for official announcements and further details from Northern Territory Health.
Queensland
Since 2014, Queensland community pharmacists have been at the forefront of service delivery, beginning with the Queensland Pharmacy Immunisation Pilot and the Urinary Tract Infection Pharmacy Pilot – Queensland in 2020. These initiatives quickly became standard practice, offering Queenslanders of all ages better access to safe and convenient immunisation services and enabling women to receive immediate treatment for uncomplicated UTIs from their local community pharmacy.
Building on the success of these pilots, Queensland is now advancing with two new initiatives: the Queensland Community Pharmacy Scope of Practice Pilot and the Queensland Community Hormonal Contraception Pilot. These pilots are designed to improve access to high-quality primary healthcare services for Queenslanders. Community pharmacists, who are highly qualified and trusted members of the healthcare team, are receiving additional clinical training to support them in practising to their full scope. QLD community pharmacists can now treat and manage 21 everyday health conditions.
For more information on Queenslad programs, visit the Guild's QLD branch page or QLD Health.
South Australia
In South Australia, community pharmacists can now provide treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and resupply of oral contraception as permanent practice.
For more details, visit SA Health Community Pharmacy Initiatives.
Tasmania
Tasmanian community pharmacists can now treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections and consult on the resupply of oral contraception.
For more details, visit Tasmanian Community Pharmacy Program.
Victoria
Victorian community pharmacists can now treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women and re-supply oral contraceptive pills. Community pharmacists can also manage minor skin conditions, shingles, and mild plaque psoriasis as part of a statewide pilot.
For more details, visit Victorian Community Pharmacist Statewide Pilot.
Western Australia
Western Australian pharmacists are already authorised to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections in women and provide consultations for the resupply of oral contraceptive pills.
On 9 August 2024 at the WA Pharmacy Forum, Hon Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA, Western Australian Minister for Health, announced that by the end of 2026, pharmacists will be able to treat a broader range of everyday health conditions, including shingles, acne, dermatitis, musculoskeletal pain and inflammation, nausea and vomiting, and wound management.
For more details, visit WA Health UTI Treatment and Oral Contraceptive Resupply.