These insights come from the 2026 Community Pharmacy Industry Insights Report, released today by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in partnership with Westpac.
Patients choosing pharmacy first
Australians visited their local pharmacy 18 times on average last year, making pharmacies the most frequently accessed primary healthcare destination in the country.
This surge in in‑person care is particularly evident in acute presentations: in 2025, community pharmacists delivered more than 80,500 consultations for non‑complex UTIs, and administered 29% of all flu vaccinations nationwide.
Interestingly, while most retail sectors saw digital engagement increase, online pharmacy transactions fell by 10%, suggesting that when it comes to health, Australians still prefer timely, face‑to‑face support from a trusted professional.
The Guild’s National President, Professor Trent Twomey, says this is part of a broader and accelerating shift in health‑seeking behaviour.
He notes that patients are “voting with their feet” — turning to community pharmacists when they can’t secure a GP appointment, need quick assessment for their child, or need immediate treatment for a UTI.
A sector adapting rapidly to meet the moment
While patient demand is growing, prescription volumes remain flat following the introduction of 60‑day dispensing. To meet changing expectations and maintain viability, pharmacies are increasingly investing in new models of care — a trend strongly reflected in the Industry Insights Report.
The report highlights sector‑wide transformation, including:
- adoption of digital check‑in systems;
- expansion of private consultation rooms;
- investment in automation and dispensing technology;
- establishment of partnerships with allied health professionals;
- broader uptake of advanced clinical services.
From a business perspective, these changes are not abstract. Early indicators from the national dataset show clear links between shifting patient expectations, demographic differences in service use, and emerging care models adopted by high‑performing pharmacies.The report also examines early impacts of PBS pricing changes, providing owners with a data‑driven view of how dispensing dynamics are evolving and what that means for 2026 planning.
Why this matters for pharmacy owners right now
For many pharmacies, the convergence of stable script volumes and rising demand for immediate, accessible care is reshaping business strategy.
The report’s findings suggest that the most sustainable pharmacies are those leaning into service diversification, clinical capability, and modernised infrastructure — not simply as growth opportunities, but as practical responses to how Australians now access care.
Patients are clearly signalling what matters most:
- getting help quickly,
- from someone they trust,
- in a setting close to home,
- without unnecessary barriers.
Pharmacies that align with these expectations — through contemporary service delivery and community‑focused care — are seeing stronger engagement and positioning themselves as essential local health hubs.
Access the full report
The full report, including state‑by‑state breakdowns and detailed business insights is available for download.
