Pharmacy pilot passes 10,000 mark

A PILOT program fast-tracking treatment for some common health conditions has passed 10,000 consultations.

Beginning in October 2023, the 12-month Community Pharmacist Pilot is allowing Victorians to receive certain treatments at participating local pharmacies, without needing to see a doctor to get a prescription first.

Locally, Bacchus Marsh UFS Pharmacy, Bacchus Marsh Village UFS Pharmacy, TerryWhite Chemmart Maddingley, and Ballan UFS Pharmacy are on-board with the program.

Treatment for shingles and flare-up of mild plaque psoriasis, requests for resupply of certain contraceptive pills, treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections for women and gender-diverse people, and certain travel and health vaccines have been made available at pharmacies during the pilot.

Women are benefitting the most from the pilot, with more than 5290 consultations delivered for the treatment of an uncomplicated urinary tract infection and 3160 for a resupply of the oral contraceptive pill.

Additionally, more than 2200 Victorians have been able to easily access travel health and other vaccines.

While the pilot is ending in October, eligible pharmacies can still join the pilot, with no cap on the number that can join.

After the pilot ends, it will be evaluated, with any recommendations informing longer-term decision making.

For more information, and to see which pharmacies offer which services under the Community Pharmacist Pilot, visit betterhealth.vic.gov.au/services-support/community-pharmacist-pilot.