Health to get $11.1bn boost in Victorian budget, with pharmacist prescribing powers made permanent

Victorian treasurer Jaclyn Symes. The additional $11.1bn will bring the total amount of health funding in the budget to $31bn. Photograph: Eamon Gallagher

Victoria’s health system will receive an $11.1bn cash injection in the state budget, with hospitals to receive more funding and pharmacists given greater powers to prescribe medications without the need for a GP visit.

The budget, which will be handed down by the state’s treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, on Tuesday, includes a $9.3bn boost for public hospitals.