Medication Advice Phone Line to Close in Australia

Medication Advice Phone Line to Close in Australia

16 Jun 2026

The Consumer Medicines Line (1300 MEDICINE) is currently run by pharmacists who provide advice on medicines, side effects, and vaccine concerns. It also collects reports of adverse reactions. The Federal Government has confirmed funding will end, closing the service completely.

How Much the Service Was Used

Government data shows the helpline received around 900 calls each month between July 2024 and May 2026. Over the past decade, it has handled between 7,000 and 10,000 calls per year, with a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why the Service Is Closing

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing says the closure reflects a shift towards people getting medicine advice directly from their usual healthcare providers, such as:

  • GPs
  • community pharmacists
  • nurse practitioners
  • midwives

Officials say these professionals are better placed to give advice based on a patient’s full medical history.

The Government also stated that other trusted services are available to support safe medicine use.

Concerns from Health Experts

RACGP Deputy Chair Dr Michael Bonning said medicine questions are best handled by clinicians who know the patient personally.

He warned that although the phone line was not a perfect system, it still helped people who had nowhere else to turn for advice.

He also stressed the importance of making sure patients are not left without support as the service ends.

Background of the Service

The Consumer Medicines Line was previously run by NPS MedicineWise, which stopped operating in 2022 after funding changes.

Since January 2023, it has been managed by Australian Healthcare Associates under a government contract worth about $6.38 million over more than three years.

What Patients Should Do Now

After the service closes, patients will be directed to other support options, including:

  • 1800 MEDICARE
  • community healthcare providers
  • reporting side effects directly to the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)

From late July 2026, Australians will no longer be able to call 1300 MEDICINE for medication advice. Health authorities say patients should instead rely on GPs, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals for personalised medicine support.


Medication Advice Phone Line to Close in Australia

Source: newsGP / Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA), 2026

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