- Published:
- Tuesday 23 June 2026 at 10:45 am
Labor is expanding Chemist Care Now to make health more accessible, and save you time and money.
Coming in July
Adult women can access the oral contraceptive pill directly from their pharmacist with a free consultation.
No prescription or GP visit is required.
They will only need to pay for the cost of the medication at the counter.
It’s a big help for regional Victorians facing long GP wait times and limited access.
The pharmacists who deliver this service have completed a postgraduate training module to keep women safe.
Before dispensing the medication, pharmacists must undertake a thorough consultation in a private consultation room and outline any risks.
Consultations will include advice about other options, including long-acting reversable contraception.
Also from July, Victorians will be able to access treatment for mild dermatitis and acne such as topical retinol and tretinoin.
Available now
Acute and mild musculoskeletal pain – including minor sprains, strains, and joint pain – can now be treated at your local chemist.
Highly trained pharmacists can provide certain anti-inflammatory medicines for short-term use, with no GP visit required.
Not only will this service save Victorians time, but it will also save on out-of-pocket costs.
Why we need it
Since launching, Chemist Care Now has delivered almost 100,000 services.
67 per cent of services have been for women, including more than 43,000 treatments for uncomplicated UTIs and more than 20,000 consultations for the resupply of hormonal contraception.
Around 27 per cent of pharmacies offering Chemist Care Now are in rural and regional areas.
While Labor is delivering solutions to support Victorian women, Jess Wilson’s Liberals will make life harder.
They want to cut access to the pill at the chemist.
Only Labor will protect and defend women’s right to reproductive healthcare in this state.
Find where Chemist Care Now is offered near you at betterhealth.vic.gov.au/chemist-care-now.
Quotes attributable to Premier Jacinta Allan
“We’re making life easier and cheaper for Victorians with Chemist Care Now.”
“Only Labor will defend and protect the right of all Victorian women to access reproductive healthcare.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Harriet Shing
“Chemist Care Now is saving Victorians time and out of pocket costs by delivering care, closer to home through a trusted, qualified local pharmacist.”
“Jess Wilson’s Liberals want to cut access to the pill at the chemist. Only Labor will protect it.”
Quote attributable to Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health Kat Theophanous
“Safe access to the pill at their local chemist is an important and practical change to support Victorian women.”