Victoria expands pharmacist prescribing under Community Pharmacist Program
14 Jan 2026
The changes allow two more forms of hormonal contraception — the injectable depot and the vaginal ring — to be resupplied directly through pharmacies. Pharmacists can also now treat impetigo, commonly known as school sores, in patients aged two years and older.
These additions build on the program’s permanent adoption last year and further extend the range of services pharmacists are authorised to provide without GP involvement.
The Victorian Government has also confirmed that pharmacists will be able to resupply hormone replacement therapy without a prescription, with this change expected to roll out in 2026.
Victorian Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas described the expansion as a “gamechanger”, saying it would make access to care easier for patients.
The Department of Health said more common health conditions and wellbeing services will be added to the program over coming years, bringing the total number of services to 22.
Now promoted to the public as Chemist Care Now, the program was made permanent in 2025 after a statewide pilot ran from October 2023 to July 2025.
According to the Victorian Department of Health, more than 62,000 services have been delivered through the program so far, across more than 800 pharmacies statewide.
While the State Government says the initiative reduces unnecessary GP visits and allows doctors to focus on more complex care, the RACGP continues to oppose pharmacy prescribing.
The college has warned the expanding role of pharmacists in prescribing risks fragmenting care and raises patient safety concerns, particularly in the context of rising antimicrobial resistance.
The Victorian Government said pharmacists participating in the program will complete short-form training before delivering each new service.
https://www1.racgp.org.au/
Source: Victorian Department of Health / Victorian Government announcements / newsGP