Wesfarmers Health recognises the Victorian Government’s $18 million investment to enhance access to healthcare through community pharmacies.
The announcement makes permanent the delivery of treatments for common conditions by community pharmacists following a successful pilot program.
It also expands the range of health conditions that pharmacists can consult patients on, making care for a range of everyday conditions simpler, more affordable and easier to access.
Under the expanded program, patients will be able to receive treatment from their local pharmacist for 22 health conditions including asthma, nausea, ear infections, wound management, and cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension.
With this initiative, Victoria will become the only State or Territory where patients can access expanded healthcare services at community pharmacies without incurring any out-of-pocket expenses.
Strong community and patient support was shown for the pilot program with 97 per cent patient satisfaction and 88 per cent of patients backing pharmacist-led treatment for everyday conditions.
This is a significant step towards supporting the health and wellbeing of Victorians.