Healthcare in Tasmania is receiving a boost, particularly in regional areas. Photo: Tasmanian Health, Tasmanian Government.
The Tasmanian Government is working to strengthen access to healthcare, with expressions of interest (EOI) for four TassieDocs clinics to open, along with a grant program supporting community pharmacies to extend their hours.
An EOI process is open to find operators for four new general practice bulk-billing clinics across Tasmania, while a fifth will be progressed in the Huon Valley.
“Accessible, affordable healthcare is vital for our communities, and these programs will help Tasmanians get the right care at the right time, whether that’s a GP appointment or support from their local community pharmacy,” Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing Bridget Archer said.
“Today we are launching the expressions-of-interest process to identify private operators for four TassieDocs clinics, which will each aim to generate up to 20,000 additional bulk-billing presentations annually.”
Clinics will be established based on evidence of need and will provide regular GP services.
“While GPs are the responsibility of the Federal Government, we are once again stepping in to ensure Tasmanians have greater access to affordable care, when and where they need it,” Ms Archer said.
Available on the Tasmanian Government Tenders website, the EOI campaign is open until 21 January, 2026.
In addition, an EOI process is currently open for community pharmacies to apply for grant funding to help them stay open longer, including evenings and weekends, which will enhance community access to services.
“Our community pharmacies are an essential part of the Tasmanian health system, providing vital services to local communities,” Ms Archer said.
“By supporting pharmacies to extend their operating hours, we will ensure Tasmanians have more access to healthcare options late at night and on weekends.”
The program will push for equitable access to services by prioritising pharmacies in sections of Tasmania that currently suffer from gaps in service and unmet health needs.
Providers in rural and remote areas, where pharmacies have limited hours, will receive consideration for grants.
“The grant program aligns with our pharmacy scope of practice reforms, which are expanding the role of community pharmacies across the state,” Ms Archer said.
“Not only will pharmacies be able to treat more health conditions than ever before, they will be open for longer to do so.”
