The latest Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Health (AIHW) data, out today,
reinforces how community pharmacists’ roles have never been more important:
The new AIHW Health Report shows that in 2024-25:
- 1 in 4 (27%) reported delayed their GP visit at least once or skipped it altogether
- Around 1 in 13 Australians blamed cost – almost double from 4.1% in 2015–16
- Hospital care now accounts for Australia's largest area of health spending, reaching $113.8 billion
Urinary tract infections were responsible for 91,700 acute potentially preventable hospital admissions in 2024–25 – if caught earlier, this figure would be dramatically reduced.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National Vice President Simon Blacker says these figures highlight the growing importance of accessible primary healthcare and early intervention.
“Community pharmacy is part of the solution to improving access,” Mr Blacker says. “There should be no wrong door to primary healthcare.”
Preventing conditions from escalating before they require hospital care is a challenge shared across the health system, with community pharmacies playing a crucial role.
Over the past year, the profession has reached an important milestone.
Australians in every state and territory can now visit a specially trained community pharmacist for the diagnosis and treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Pharmacist prescribing for a range of chronic conditions is already standard practice in Queensland and the Northern Territory – and now being introduced across most other states and territories.
These changes reflect the growing recognition that community pharmacists are an essential part of Australia's primary healthcare workforce, helping patients receive timely care closer to home while supporting the broader health system.
Mr Blacker says the latest findings reinforce why improving access to primary healthcare must remain a national priority.
By expanding access to appropriately trained pharmacist prescribers, he says this will also allow GPs to focus on patients with more complex medical needs.
“Australians should not be delaying treatment because of cost, waiting times or where they live,” he adds.
“With earlier intervention and treatment, they're less likely to end up in emergency departments or hospital beds with conditions that could have been managed and prevented.
“Harmonising pharmacists prescribing nationally would create a more consistent, equitable healthcare system, ensuring patients have timely access to safe, evidence-based care regardless of their postcode.”
For community pharmacists, the AIHW findings are more than a snapshot of Australia's health – they reflect the realities seen at the pharmacy counter every day.
As demand for timely, affordable local healthcare continues to grow, the profession is well placed to improve access, support better patient outcomes and help build a more sustainable health system.
