News
16 May, 2025
Pharmacies push to treat Asthma
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has called on all States and Territories to allow community pharmacists to provide more treatment and support for Australians with asthma, as World Asthma Day was marked on 6 May.
Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild, said community pharmacists already do “much more than dispense medicine.”
“Community pharmacy is the most accessible frontline healthcare destination in Australia. Anyone can walk into their local pharmacy for expert healthcare advice, support, and treatment,” he said.
“Pharmacists help asthma patients from their first prescription—teaching proper inhaler technique and providing medication reviews. In Queensland, and soon the Northern Territory, they can also develop asthma management plans, adjust doses, and help patients keep their asthma under control.”
Professor Twomey said pharmacists must play a bigger role in asthma care, urging State and Territory governments to unlock the full potential of community pharmacy.
This push follows a successful pilot where pharmacists received training in various clinical areas. Those who completed the program can now offer expanded services, such as treating skin conditions and other common health issues.
Australians can already access treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) at community pharmacies. UTIs are the second-highest cause of preventable hospital admissions, with over half of all women experiencing one in their lifetime.
Asthma Australia CEO Kate Miranda said asthma affects nearly 2.8 million Australians of all ages.
“With the right management, asthma can be controlled. Regular GP check-ups and working closely with your community pharmacist can help manage symptoms,” she said. “We’re especially focusing on smarter use of oral steroids to reduce complications and side effects.”
Asthma Australia and the Pharmacy Guild recently worked together to lower the general PBS co-payment for prescriptions. From January 2026, the maximum cost for asthma-related PBS medicines will drop from $31.60 to $25.
“This is only the second time in 75 years the co-payment has been reduced,” said Professor Twomey. “It will benefit over 20 million Australians without concession cards, saving patients $689 million over four years.”
There are more than 6,000 community pharmacies in Australia, many open after hours and on weekends. In 332 towns, they are the only healthcare provider, with 74% of Australians living within 2.5 km of one.
