victorians can now have more everyday health conditions treated directly at their local pharmacy, making care faster, easier and free.
The Chemist Care Now program has expanded to include new treatments, allowing people to get help for common issues without needing a GP appointment—saving time for families and easing pressure on doctors so they can focus on more complex cases.
Parents can now have children treated for impetigo, commonly known as school sores, through participating pharmacies. With free consultations, this means quicker treatment and a faster return to childcare or school.
Women will also benefit from expanded access to reproductive and menopause care. Two additional hormonal contraceptive options—the injectable depot and the vaginal ring—can now be resupplied at pharmacies without a prescription.
From later next year, pharmacists will also be able to provide resupplies of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for women experiencing menopause, an official press release said.
Over the next two years, the program will continue to grow, expanding to 22 treatments for common conditions. Participating pharmacists complete short-form training for each new service they offer, ensuring safe and consistent care.
The expansion builds on existing services already available through the program, including treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections, shingles and other skin conditions, travel vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B, and contraceptive pill resupply.
Since launching as a pilot, the program has delivered more than 66,000 services through over 800 pharmacies across Victoria, reflecting strong community uptake and demand for convenient care close to home.
Additional training pathways are also being introduced to support the program, including a new Graduate Certificate of Pharmacist Prescribing at Monash University, accredited by the Australian Pharmacy Council.
Chemist Care Now complements other healthcare access initiatives such as Urgent Care Clinics and the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, helping more people get the right care, in the right place, sooner.
To find a participating pharmacy, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/about-chemist-care-now.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said, “Expanding Chemist Care Now means pharmacists can treat more conditions, giving Victorians quicker access to free, convenient care.
“Adding school sores and more contraceptive options will make a real difference for families and women, helping people get treatment when they need it, close to home.”
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