General News
26 June, 2025
Community Pharmacy Program becomes permanent
LOCAL pharmacists have welcomed a decision to continue a program allowing some minor conditions to be treated by the local chemist.
In the recent state budget, the government decided to give permanency to the Community Pharmacy Program by investing $18 million into the program.
It means Stawell residents can visit either Grampians Pharmacy or Stawell Pharmacy and receive direct treatment for conditions for free without a trip to the doctor for a prescription.
Previously trialled as the Community Pharmacy Pilot, the investment locks the program in place for good, helping rural Victorians access advice and treatment close to home.
It means pharmacies across regional Victoria will be able to treat more conditions with medicines usually only available with a GP script – including allergies, nausea and high blood pressure, psoriasis, urinary tract infections, shingles as well as minor wound care and contraception, with more conditions added progressively over the next two years.
Grampians Pharmacy’s Hafeeza Kausar said the continuation of the program will benefit local residents.
“It means that people can get treatment for some things while they wait for an appointment with the doctor. It’s immediate treatment for some things which prevents conditions progressing further,” she said.
Vivian Hassan from Stawell Pharmacy agreed, saying local residents have embraced the service and she’s pleased it is becoming permanent.
“It has been very good because we can treat people who cannot see the doctor immediately with things like UTI and shingles and those sort of things,” she said.
The Member for Ripon Martha Haylett pushed for trial to become a permanent program.
She said the decision to fully fund the Community Pharmacy Program is good news for country communities.
“Pharmacies are more than just a place to pick up medicine. They are trusted, accessible health hubs, especially in our rural towns where pharmacies are often the first point of contact for many people seeking medical advice.”
“By continuing to support this program, we are helping reduce pressure on our local hospital and GPs,” Ms Haylett said.
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