General News
11 January, 2024
Local pharmacies begin pilot program
Local pharmacies in Clunes and Creswick have received assistance from the Victorian Government as part of a $20 million injection into providing more affordable treatment and advice on a range of common conditions. The 12-month pilot program aims to...
Local pharmacies in Clunes and Creswick have received assistance from the Victorian Government as part of a $20 million injection into providing more affordable treatment and advice on a range of common conditions.
The 12-month pilot program aims to support around 600 pharmacies to increase accessibility of basic care, especially in areas with limited General Practice (GP) options.
Services are currently tailored to women’s health with advice or treatment on uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs), or a resupply of existing contraceptive pills without needing a prescription will be free of charge as part of the pilot.
According to Better Health, half the women in Australia will suffer from a UTI in their lifetime and other research has found approximately 50-80 percent will use a form of contraceptive pill at some stage between the ages of 15 and 44.
Further offerings such as treatment of mild skin conditions, public health vaccination offerings and travel health consultations will roll out in the coming months.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas is confident the program will help ease the log jam many pharmacies are facing while still providing quality healthcare.
“We know Victorians are eager for accessible and affordable primary care — our Priority Primary Care Centres and Victorian Virtual Emergency Department managing more than 350,000 presentations combined to date,” she said.
“With pharmacy consultation and prescribing already commonplace in many countries, we know it can provide a safe and affordable alternative for Victorians, while freeing up GPs for those with more urgent needs.”
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said she is pleased at the support given to a vital role in the community.
“Our hardworking pharmacists are pillars of the Clunes and Creswick community — now locals can rely on their wealth of knowledge for additional services when they need a fast and affordable basic health care alternative,” she said.
Pharmacies have still been encouraged to apply to participate in the pilot who are deemed to have the appropriate facilities and successfully complete mandatory training in the piloted services.
An evaluation is expected to occur after the 12-month pilot, with findings looking to shape the long-term decision making on the role of community pharmacists.
For more information, including a list of participating pharmacies, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/services-support/community-pharmacist-pilot.