Bushfire-Affected Communities Can Access Essential Medicines Without Prescription
10 Dec 2025
Residents in areas impacted by recent bushfires who rely on critical medications, such as those for diabetes, heart conditions, or asthma, can now obtain a limited supply from pharmacies without needing a prescription.
NSW Health has issued a special Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation, allowing pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people affected by the fires, even if they do not have a current prescription.
This temporary measure aims to help bushfire-affected communities maintain access to essential medicines during this challenging period. The Authority came into effect on Monday, 4 December, and will remain in place until Sunday, 4 January, unless extended.
NSW Health is coordinating with local hospitals, pharmacies, and healthcare providers in affected regions to ensure communities are supported and essential medicines remain available. People are encouraged to call ahead and consider alternative pharmacies if their usual location is closed or out of stock. Full details on how pharmacists can supply medicines without a prescription are available in the Authority, which is published online.
For further guidance, residents can consult their local pharmacy, contact their GP, or call healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:
“Our priority is to ensure people can continue to access vital medications during emergencies.
“Bushfires can cause sudden loss or inaccessibility of essential items like prescriptions. If you are in this situation, contact healthdirect or speak to your pharmacist for advice. Pharmacists can provide a full pack of essential medicines without a prescription to make sure no one runs out during this extreme weather event.”
NSW Branch President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Mario Barone, added:
“Pharmacists across the state are committed to supporting their communities in this crisis.
“The activation of the PBS Continued Dispensing Emergency Measure ensures patients affected by bushfires can access essential medicines without disruption. We thank the NSW and Commonwealth governments for collaborating with the Guild to deliver this urgent support and encourage those impacted to reach out to their local pharmacy.”
Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, remarked:
“Many residents I’ve spoken to in the Koolewong area were left with only the clothes on their backs after fleeing the fires.
“This Authority provides rapid access to vital medications, helping ease at least one significant burden during this difficult time.
“I also want to thank all agencies involved in providing comprehensive support to those affected, standing behind our community when it is needed most.”
News Source: NSW Health
