Loading location page
Northern Tasmania's doctor availability can be limited. InstantMed lets residents submit medical-certificate requests and repeat-prescription review requests online.
90K+
Tasmania's second largest city
4–7 days
Among the longest in Tasmania
~55%
Lowest of any major Tasmanian centre
Significant
Tasmania has the worst GP-to-population ratio nationally
Tasmania has the worst GP-to-population ratio of any Australian state, and Launceston sits at the sharp end of this crisis. Northern Tasmania has experienced multiple clinic closures in recent years, leaving thousands of residents unable to find a regular GP. Walk-in appointments are often unavailable, and new patient registrations have waiting lists that stretch for months.
The problem is structural: Tasmania's ageing population requires more GP services, but the state struggles to attract and retain doctors. Junior doctors trained in Tasmania often leave for better-paying positions on the mainland. The result is a shrinking GP workforce serving a population with growing healthcare needs.
For residents of Northern Tasmania - from Launceston to Devonport, Burnie, and the North-East - getting a straightforward medical certificate can mean a multi-day wait or a drive to the nearest clinic with availability. Telehealth doesn't replace the ongoing GP relationship, but it provides an online pathway for that medical-certificate request.
The University of Tasmania's Launceston campus (Newnham and Inveresk) serves thousands of students. UTAS sets its own policy for medical certificates used for academic support. Adults aged 18+ should check current requirements before submitting a request.
Launceston's economy is anchored by healthcare (Launceston General Hospital), education, agriculture, and tourism. The growing wine and food tourism sector in the Tamar Valley adds seasonal employment demand. Workers across all these sectors benefit from telehealth access when GP appointments are scarce.
Launceston has pharmacy coverage in the CBD, Prospect, Kings Meadows, and Mowbray. All major chains and independent pharmacies accept eScripts. Devonport and Burnie pharmacies also accept eScripts from telehealth consultations.
Tasmania follows national AHPRA telehealth standards. The Tasmanian Government has identified telehealth as a critical tool for addressing the state's GP shortage, particularly in Northern Tasmania.
Prescribing follows TGA national regulations. eScripts work across all Tasmanian pharmacies. The Tasmanian health system has been among the most supportive of telehealth adoption nationally.
Complete the secure form with your symptoms, relevant history and requested dates. You will receive an outcome or a request for more information. Prescriptions require an individual doctor decision.
Answer the service-specific questions
Your request follows the pathway required for that service
We'll let you know the outcome and any next steps.
Also serving: Sydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth · Adelaide · Gold Coast · Canberra · Newcastle · View all locations