An estimated 900,000 women will benefit
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The Federal Government has today announced that pharmacists across Australia will be able to distribute the contraceptive pill to women without a prescription, following similar pledges in New South Wales and Victoria earlier this year.
From 2027, women in all states and territories will be able to seek treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and start or refill hormonal contraception at participating pharmacists without a GP visit or prescription (so long as it is permitted under the rules of the jurisdiction in which it is provided).
Under the 12-month trial – which will benefit an estimated 900,000 women – the Federal Government will cover pharmacist consultation costs of up to $38 per visit, while scripts will cost no more than $25.
Minister for Women Katy Gallagher described the scheme as “another step towards a health system that works better for women and takes their health needs seriously”. In a statement announcing the move, she continued: “For too long, women’s experiences of the health system haven’t received the attention they deserve. We’re determined to change that. We’re making practical changes that give women more choice, make health care more accessible and help save women thousands of dollars over their lifetimes.”
Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president, Professor Trent Twomey, called it “a landmark reform for women’s healthcare in this country”. “It provides women more choice in when and where they can access safe and affordable primary healthcare,” Professor Twomey said. “The Trial will build on years of specially trained pharmacists delivering these services safely to patients across Australia and the world. Already, every month, more than 8,000 women visit a community pharmacy for the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs. Thousands more, think pharmacy first for contraception initiation and resupply.”
Other changes to the Chemist Care Now scheme
In NSW, women over 18 have been able to access the pill from select pharmacies without a prescription since June 1, a move that was replicated in Victoria on July 1.
The move could make the pill significantly easier to access for those living in rural and remote areas and save women the time and expense of a doctor or specialist appointment to access the medication.
However, some experts are concerned that this incoming legislation goes against safety advice.
A consultation with a pharmacist who has completed postgraduate training will be required and risks, as well as alternative options to the pill will be discussed. These include long-acting reversible contraception available in Australia.
Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas has said the government is “giving women more choice and helping them save time”. While then-Premier Jacinta Allan addressed the costs involved in accessing the pill, saying, “Accessing contraception should not be a burden for women”.
850 pharmacies across victoria will be participating as a part of the Chemist Care Now scheme, which has been giving women the option to get repeat scripts without an updated prescription from their doctor.
The scheme is also being expanded to include hormone replacement therapy (HRT), uncomplicated UTIs and more.
In NSW, Premier Chris Minns has shared that the upcoming change was “long overdue”.
“It shouldn’t be too difficult to get access to this basic health care,” he says.
Expert concerns
The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) has expressed its disappointment in the move in a press release, saying the state government “has overridden repeated warnings from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) by allowing pharmacists to prescribe the contraceptive pill, undermining established medicines safety safeguards.”
The body’s Victoria Chair, Dr Anita Muñoz, said the move was more reflective of the government’s position during an election year and calls from lobbyists, rather than its acknowledgement of safety guidance regarding women’s healthcare.
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Women can still see a GP for guidance and prescriptions for contraception.
The initiative to expand access to contraceptive medications across New South Wales pharmacies aims to reduce the workload of doctors across the state, and increase access to affordable healthcare for women.
In order to be eligible for the upcoming scheme, pharmacists will be required to complete additional training, with the state government confirming up to 70 individuals had already completed this across New South Wales.
