New South Wales women will be able to access the contraceptive pill for up to 12 months without a script after a decision to make a state government trial permanent.
Under the year-long trial, which began in September 2023, women aged 18-35 years who had been using the contraceptive pill for two years were able to extend their supply at participating pharmacies for another 12 months, without having to visit their doctor for a new prescription.
The eligibility criteria for the scheme will now be expanded to include women aged 40-49, who will be able to get an extra three months supply without a script.
The changes will come into effect on Saturday.
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The trial saw more than 500 pharmacies deliver 2,000 consultations to women in NSW.
Premier Chris Minns said the initiative would help women who found it difficult to get to a doctor.
“At a time when seeing a GP can be difficult, we hope that this service will make it a little bit easier for women to access affordable healthcare, where and when they need it,” he said.
The announcement follows the permanent implementation of another trial in June, which has allowed thousands of pharmacists to hold consultations with women with straightforward urinary tract infections.
Also in transition is a scheme to allow pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions, with a trial running until early 2025.
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The changes have caused tension between the pharmaceutical sector and doctors.
When the contraceptive trial was first announced last year, The Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) warned regular doctor appointments were necessary so women would not miss out on screening for cervical cancer, breast cancer or sexually transmitted diseases.
However, Pharmaceutical Society of Australia NSW President Luke Kelly said the success of the trial showed what pharmacists could do.
“Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to show that we can do more to support our patients. Giving our patients the option to access contraception through skilled community pharmacists is an important step in making reproductive care more accessible to women across the state,” he said.
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