Community Pharmacy Pilot Program

07 March 2024

My question is for the Minister for Health. Two weeks ago our government made a fantastic announcement that we would be extending the community pharmacy pilot program. As part of this extension 729 pharmacies across Victoria, including in my electorate of Laverton, will be able to treat patients for psoriasis and shingles. We know that 3700 ‍Victorians, the majority of whom are women, have already accessed the care that they need through this very important program – and by all reports it is a massive success. For women it has meant that they can just pop down to their local chemist that is part of this program and get the appropriate treatment for issues like urinary tract infections. It has also meant that women can get a refill of their oral contraceptive pills without having to go to their local GP each and every single time. My question for the minister is this: how will these changes benefit folks and women in my electorate of Laverton who access this program?