General News
1 February, 2024
Local pharmacies in Victorian trial
PHARMACIES in Boort and Inglewood are part of State Government pilot to expand the role for community pharmacists. During the pilot: Women can get more supply of a contraceptive pill they are already using without needing a prescription. Women with...
PHARMACIES in Boort and Inglewood are part of State Government pilot to expand the role for community pharmacists.
During the pilot:
Women can get more supply of a contraceptive pill they are already using without needing a prescription.
Women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections can access antibiotics for treatment.
Pharmacists can provide some vaccinations for travel and more public health vaccines including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis and typhoid.
The Government says: The pilot aims to increase access to affordable primary health care, ensuring Victorians can get the healthcare they need quickly and locally.
“Like all Department of Health programs, safety and quality care will be prioritised throughout both the design and implementation process.”
People eligible to receive care from a community pharmacy under the pilot will pay the same as treatment from a bulk-billing GP.
“You will pay no more than your current PBS co-payment for medicines supplied under the pilot. This ensures that there is no additional financial barrier to accessing treatment,” the Health Department said of the pilot.
“As medication supplied as part of the pilot is not PBS funded, payment amounts do not contribute towards the PBS SafetyNet.”
There are no charges to see the pharmacist to receive care for urinary tract infections or the resupply of the contraceptive pill
The pilot runs until October.