Extended hours for more healthcare, closer to home

Tasmanian community pharmacies in rural and regional areas can now open for longer as part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2025 election commitment.

Grants have been delivered to local pharmacies in Strahan, Flinders Island and Nubeena, with other applications being worked through.

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Bridget Archer, said this investment would deliver improved access to primary health care in rural and regional communities.

“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future is delivering better health outcomes for rural and regional Tasmanians,” Minister Archer said.

“Tasman Pharmacy is the only pharmacy on the Tasman Peninsula, and these extended hours mean they can now open for longer every Saturday.

“Flinders Island Pharmacy will open for an extra hour each weekday, while Strahan Pharmacy will open every second Saturday during the summer months.

“This is a huge win for regional communities – it means more convenient and timely access to medications and treatments for common health conditions, closer to home.

“We are continuing to strengthen primary health care in Tasmania, and this is another way we’re taking action where the Federal Labor Government has failed.”

The extended hours grant program complements the Tasmanian Government’s pharmacy scope of practice reforms, which are expanding the role of community pharmacies and enabling pharmacists to provide more healthcare services than ever before.