The Tasmanian government has awarded 150 community pharmacists scholarships worth up to $7,000 each to expand the range of health conditions they can treat.
The postgraduate training will enable pharmacists to treat ear infections, reflux, rhinitis and skin conditions including shingles, eczema and wound care by late 2026.
Health Minister Bridget Archer said the scholarships would help Tasmanians access healthcare faster while reducing pressure on GPs and emergency departments.
“Our government is delivering for Tasmanians, with pharmacy scope of practice reforms ensuring our community can receive the healthcare they need, when and where they need it,” she said.
The 150 pharmacists are spread across 110 pharmacies throughout the state, from Devonport to Cygnet and Smithton to St Helens.
Ivo Vincour, a pharmacist at Riverside Pharmacy who received a scholarship, said the training would provide “massive value to the community and the patients”.
“I’ve got 20 years of experience in the community pharmacy. I’ve seen shingles, impetigo, I’ve dealt with asthma on a weekly basis over 20 years,” he said.
Vincour said pharmacies offered more accessible care than GPs, particularly on weekends and public holidays.
“When you come to a pharmacy we charge very little for our advice,” he said. “Some are open seven days a week until late into the evening, public holidays, quite easy to get to.”
The scholarships provide $3,500 at enrolment and $3,500 upon course completion.
Training will begin in early 2026 through courses provided by James Cook University and the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia through the University of Tasmania.
Ms Archer said the initiative builds on existing pharmacy reforms that have already delivered more than 10,000 episodes of care for urinary tract infections.
Earlier this month, the government announced credentialled pharmacists can now assess, initiate and continue hormonal contraceptive services.
The minister said demand for the scholarships had been so strong that the government would extend the programme with an additional 50 scholarships.
“It has been very popular and I have already asked the department to look at extending that,” she said.
The reforms are supported by a community pharmacy grants programme encouraging pharmacies to open for longer hours, including evenings and weekends.
