The New South Wales (NSW) Government is continuing to expand the range of healthcare services available in community pharmacies. Going forward and in 2027, pharmacists who meet training requirements will be able to assess, advise and provide medicines for a number of health conditions that previously required a visit to a family doctor (GP).
This change is expected to help people access some common medical services more conveniently, especially in cases where there is no need to go to the hospital or see a doctor immediately.
What Conditions Can Pharmacists In NSW Currently Assist?
Depending on the training program and conditions of each pharmacy, qualified pharmacists in NSW can currently provide services for a number of conditions such as:
- Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs).
- Reissue of certain hormonal contraceptives.
- Some mild skin conditions, including eczema, shingles, impetigo and psoriasis.
After assessing the patient’s condition, the pharmacist can provide care instructions, provide appropriate medication or refer the patient to a GP or other medical facility if necessary.
Note: Not all pharmacies in NSW offer these services. Pharmacists must also complete a training program appropriate to each disease group.
What Conditions Will Be Added?
Under plans announced by the NSW Government in September 2026, approximately 250 pharmacists with additional training will be able to provide services for a number of additional health conditions, including:
- Acute nausea and vomiting.
- Allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
- Mild acute musculoskeletal pain.
- Mild to moderate acne.
- Start using oral contraceptives.
NSW is also launching pilot programs to enable qualified pharmacists to help treat ear infections, care for wounds and support people to manage certain chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
These services are implemented in stages, so the time of application and the number of participating pharmacies may vary depending on the region.
From 2027, Pharmacists Can Vaccinate More Children
Another notable change is that from 2027, qualified pharmacists in NSW will be allowed to administer a number of additional National Immunization Program vaccines, including vaccines for some children under 5 years of age. This policy is intended to help families access vaccination services more conveniently, especially in cases where vaccination is needed before traveling or when there is a risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases such as measles. However, not all children can get vaccinated at the pharmacy. Children who need multiple catch-up vaccinations or have complex health conditions may need to be assessed by a doctor or specialist vaccination service.
Vaccinations at pharmacies do not replace regular health checks with your GP. These visits still play an important role in monitoring a child’s physical development, behavior, and overall health.
Are Pharmacy Services Covered by Medicare?
This depends on the type of service. Some pharmacies can accept patients without prior appointment. However, because the service depends on whether the pharmacy has an appropriately trained pharmacist, people should call ahead to confirm. The pharmacy may also charge a separate consultation fee. This fee is calculated independently of the drug and is not necessarily covered by Medicare.
If a pharmacist supplies a medicine based on a private prescription, the price of the medicine may be determined by the individual pharmacy and the patient may have to pay for it themselves.
When Should I See a GP or Go to Hospital?
Expanding pharmacy services does not mean that pharmacies can replace GPs or hospitals in all cases. Patients should seek emergency medical attention if they develop serious symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath or chest pain.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Severe allergic reaction.
- Heavy bleeding or deep wound.
- Severe pain or persistent high fever.
- Distorted mouth, weak limbs or difficulty speaking.
- Young child is lethargic, difficult to wake, or shows signs of dehydration.
- Chronic illness suddenly becomes serious.
In an emergency in Australia, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are not sure which service to seek, people can call Healthdirect 1800 022 222 to receive 24-hour advice from a nurse.
How To Find A Pharmacy With Suitable Services?
People can use Healthdirect Service Finder to find pharmacies that provide appropriate health care services.
You can:
- Visit Healthdirect Service Finder.
- Select the Pharmacy service type.
- Enter suburb or postcode.
- Check out pharmacies near your area.
- Call the pharmacy directly before arriving to confirm the pharmacist is trained and is providing the service you need.
This is especially important with new services being phased in in NSW.
What does this mean for the people of NSW?
Expanding the scope of pharmacist services could help people access some routine healthcare services more quickly, reduce pressure on GPs and give families more options when they need advice or treatment for minor conditions. However, people still need to choose services appropriate to the severity of their health condition. A pharmacy does not replace a GP or hospital, especially in emergencies or complex medical conditions.
Source: SBS Vietnamese
