Celebrating Tasmania’s pharmacists on World Pharmacists Day

On World Pharmacists Day 2026, the Tasmanian Government is celebrating the vital role pharmacists play in keeping Tasmanians healthy and making healthcare more accessible.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said the Tasmanian Government is committed to further expanding the role of community pharmacists as part of our ongoing plan to improve access to healthcare for Tasmanians.

“On World Pharmacists Day, we thank Tasmania’s pharmacists for their ongoing commitment to their patients and communities,” Minister Archer said.

“From providing medicines and advice to treating common health conditions and expanding access to care, pharmacists are an essential part of Tasmania’s healthcare system.

“As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we are supporting pharmacists to expand their scope of practice to support a more accessible, responsive and sustainable health system.”

The Tasmanian Government has delivered on our 2025 election commitment to provide 150 postgraduate scholarships worth $7,000 each to help Tasmanian pharmacists obtain full scope of practice credentials.

The scholarships were offered to 150 community pharmacists located across 110 different pharmacies throughout the State, from Devonport to Cygnet, and from Smithton to St Helens.

“Recently, the Premier and I met with community pharmacists undertaking their residential training week in Launceston, where they were gaining practical, supervised experience alongside educators from James Cook University and the University of Tasmania,” Minister Archer said.

“Once their training is complete, these pharmacists will be able to provide even more care in Tasmanian communities by treating common health conditions such as ear infections, reflux, rhinitis, and skin conditions such as shingles, eczema, and wound care.”

Community pharmacists are also providing resupply of the oral contraceptive pill and management of urinary tract infections, freeing up thousands of GP appointments and reducing pressure on our hospitals.

In addition, Tasmanian community pharmacies in rural and regional areas can now open for longer as part of the Government’s 2025 election commitment, as part of a $1 million initiative providing grants to community pharmacies to enable the extension of operating hours.