For young Australians juggling work, study, relationships, family and everything in between, accessing healthcare isn’t always straightforward.
New YouGov research commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia shows Gen Z Australians, born between 1997 and 2009, are more likely to face barriers including cost, inconvenience and difficulty getting a GP appointment.
Cost matters too. One in five (20%) delayed a GP appointment because of cost, and 15% skipped seeing a GP altogether because they couldn’t afford it.
For 16%, their health condition worsened while they waited.
Healthcare that works around your life
For many everyday health needs, your community pharmacy may offer another pathway to care.
That matters to Gen Z. The research found 39% saw more convenient access to care as a key benefit of pharmacist prescribing, while 20% valued spending less time away from work. [
And young Australians already have strong confidence in pharmacists: 89% trust pharmacists to treat and manage everyday conditions, while 82% support trained pharmacists prescribing medicines.
What could this mean for things like contraception?
Contraception is a good example of how community pharmacy is evolving to make routine healthcare easier to access.
From February 2027, the Australian Government’s 12-month Women’s Health Trial will fund consultations at participating community pharmacies for uncomplicated UTIs and contraception services, including hormonal contraception initiation and resupply where permitted under state and territory requirements.
For eligible patients, the consultation will be free, with services delivered by specially trained community pharmacists. Where applicable, medicines provided through the Trial will be available at PBS-equivalent prices.
For a young woman who needs to start or renew contraception, that could mean another option for accessing care in her local community, without having to organise her day entirely around a GP appointment.
The services available will vary according to each state and territory’s authorisations and requirements.
Find care closer to you
From February 2027, Find a Pharmacy will help patients locate participating community pharmacies and check eligibility for Women’s Health Trial services.
More broadly, it can help you find a community pharmacy near you and discover the health services available locally.
Because for Gen Z, and for all Australians, healthcare should be easier to fit into everyday life.
More choice. Easier access. Care closer to home.
Think Pharmacy First. Find a Pharmacy.
References:
YouGov research commissioned by the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, 2026. Gen Z defined in the research as people born 1997–2009.
