The 12‑month trial will allow appropriately trained community pharmacists to provide free consultations and low‑cost medicines for concession card holders, marking the most significant national coordination of pharmacist-prescribed women’s health services to date.
PGA's National President Professor Trent Twomey welcomed the announcement made by Federal Health Minister Hon Mark Butler MP, saying it confirms what communities already experience daily: pharmacists are among Australia’s most accessible frontline primary healthcare providers.
“Women deserve fast, expert care — and community pharmacists are uniquely placed to provide it safely and locally.”
What is changing
Under the new package, pharmacists who meet the national prescribing standard will be trained and authorised to provide:
- Contraception initiation and advice
- Treatment for uncomplicated UTIs
Women in Queensland and Tasmania already access contraception through their pharmacist, with every other jurisdiction except NSW and the ACT working to introduce similar pathways.
Demand already strong
More than 145,000 women have been treated for UTIs through almost 4,000 pharmacies nationwide, with demand remaining consistently high.
This comes amid research showing 16% of patients wait over three weeks for a GP appointment — delays almost half of women describe as unacceptable.
Professor Twomey said expanding pharmacist scope is “a win for patients and a win for the health system,” allowing GPs to focus on more complex care.
Women in Queensland and Tasmania are already able to visit their pharmacist for initiation of contraception and every state and territory – except NSW and ACT – is working to implement this change.
Community pharmacy: open early, late and local
With 6,000 community pharmacies operating longer hours than most primary care providers, women will have improved access to timely care, triage and trusted advice close to home.
Patients can locate their nearest pharmacy providing women’s health services, including UTI treatment and contraception initiation, at Find a Pharmacy.
