Supporting Tasmanian pharmacists to provide more care in the community

On World Pharmacists Day, the Tasmanian Government is further expanding the role of community pharmacists as part of its ongoing plan to improve access to healthcare for Tasmanians.

Tasmanian pharmacists will be supported to undertake training that will enable them to assess and manage more common health conditions than ever before.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Government is delivering for Tasmania by expanding pharmacy services to enhance access to timely and affordable community-based healthcare.

“We are continuing to support pharmacists to upskill and expand their offerings to ensure Tasmanians receive the health care they need, sooner,” Minister Archer said.

“Our Government is progressing our commitment to provide post-graduate training scholarships that will allow pharmacists to receive full scope of practice credentials.

“Following completion of the training, pharmacists will be able to provide even more care in the community by treating common health conditions such as ear infections, reflux, rhinitis, and skin conditions such as shingles, eczema, and wound care.

“Additionally, we will increase access to healthcare for Tasmanian women by enabling appropriately credentialled pharmacists to assess, initiate, and continue hormonal contraception for women from December this year.

“Pharmacists are trusted frontline health professionals and medication experts in our communities – playing a vital role at a time when health systems across the country are facing increasing pressure.”

This announcement builds on the success of previous initiatives – stemming from the Government’s Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review – that have enabled pharmacists to provide more services to Tasmanians, including resupply of the oral contraceptive pill and management of urinary tract infections.

“These initiatives are freeing up thousands of GP appointments, saving Tasmanians time and money, and reducing pressure on our hospitals,” Minister Archer said.

“Next month, we expect to reach the milestone of 10,000 episodes of care for Tasmanian women seeking care for urinary tract infections, further underscoring the impact of these reforms.”

The treatment of additional conditions is expected to become available in late 2026, once pharmacists complete the required training.

More detail on the model of training and how pharmacists can access scholarships will be available in October.