Labor health cuts force 24-hour pharmacies to close

Liberal Party Victoria

Life continues to get harder for Victorians as longstanding 24-hour pharmacies close following a funding cut by the Allan Government.

In 2016, the Victorian Government supported 20 Supercare pharmacies across the state to operate at extended hours.

However, funding for this program has now been cut by Labor – meaning previously 24-hour pharmacies will no longer be available to the Victorian community.

The closure of these 24-hour pharmacies comes as the recent 2023-24 Victorian Budget Update confirmed a $930 million cut to health funding, as Victoria’s net debt is set to reach $177.8 billion by 2026-27.

Shadow Minister for Health, Georgie Crozier, said: “Under Labor, Victoria’s health system remains in crisis and this cut will only make it harder for Victorians to access the care they need.

“Labor simply cannot manage money and as a consequence, health services continue to suffer at a time Victorians need them the most.

“This is a further blow to Victorians as Labor’s health tax on GP’s makes it harder to access primary healthcare.”

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