Pharmacy Waivers
Who may be able to access the service?
The ASRC knows that many people seeking asylum are in crisis because they do not have work rights or access to mainstream social services in Australia.
While we aim to support as many people as possible, the level of need we see always exceeds the resources we have available as a community organisation.
We therefore prioritise those who face the biggest barriers to accessing their human right to healthcare.
Who MAY be able to access this service | Who will NOT be able to access this service* |
|---|---|
| A person seeking asylum | Not seeking asylum |
| No or very low personal or household income | Personal income above a threshold |
| Residing in Victoria | Not residing in Victoria |
| No access to SRSS support | Applicant or immediate family member in your household is accessing SRSS support |
* If this is you, you may be able to access other services listed here.
What does this service offer?
Our pharmacy program covers the following:
- Provides waivers for all essential medications through a pharmacy waiver partnership program based in Footscray.
- Essential medications and some over the counter medications, after discussion with a nurse.
What is NOT covered by the pharmacy program:
- Vitamins without a documented deficiency and GP prescription
- Multivitamins (excluding during pregnancy and breastfeeding)
- Non-essential medications
How to access the service?
Please come to the centre and our Health Team can discuss the pharmacy program with you. If you are not able to come in person, please call 03 9274 9898 or email health@asrc.org.au and leave a message with your name and phone number.
If you require an interpreter please state your preferred language and we will call you back with an interpreter.
Opening hours
Service hours may vary depending on staff capacity but these are the days and times we are open (excluding public holidays).
Please note, the service is paused during lunchtimes on the open days
ASRC Footscray
Level 2, 214-218 Nicholson St. Footscray
Monday: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Tuesday: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Friday: 10.30am to 4.00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
What you need to provide:
- Bank statement for the last three months and other supporting documents, such as:
– Medical documents (if not able to work/support themselves due to health) Visa document and where needed consent to access your visa status
Consent to share and keep information form and contact details for your current GP (completed with an ASRC worker)
What we use it for:
- Financial assessment
- Legal status
- Consent to contact your GP to obtain your current medication list, so we can provide safe care
What other services could I try?
Service: Provide pharmacy waivers for people seeking asylum with or without Medicare who live in the Whittlesea and Hume area.
Ph: (03) 8388 7478 or 0437 458 520
Address: Whittlesea Community Connection (Thursdays 9am-5pm)
Shop 111 at Pacific Epping Shopping Centre, 571-583 High Street, Epping
Service: Provide pharmacy support only to persons seeking asylum without Medicare who see a GP at Monash Refugee Health Clinic.
Phone: (03) 9792 8100
Address: 122 Thomas Street, Dandenong VIC 3175
Service: Provide pharmacy support only to persons seeking asylum without Medicare who are seeing a GP at Cabrini Hub.
Phone: (03) 8388 7874
Address: 503 Sydney Road, Brunswick VIC 3056