The Australian Government’s Women’s Health Trial will begin from February 2027, giving eligible women another accessible option for receiving care for common health conditions without the cost of a consultation.
Where prescription medicines are required, PBS-listed medicines will be provided at PBS-equivalent prices, currently $25 for general patients and $7.70 for concession card holders.
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler MP announced the investment at Capital Chemist Kingston in Canberra today.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey said the funding would help remove cost barriers and make it easier for more women to receive care where and when they need it.
“This is a landmark step forward for women’s healthcare in Australia, and we congratulate Minister Butler and Prime Minister Albanese for continuing to deliver on their commitment to improve women’s healthcare.”
The announcement comes as many Australian women continue to experience challenges accessing timely healthcare.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows one in four Australian women who needed to see a GP waited longer than they felt was appropriate for an appointment.
UTIs also continue to place significant pressure on the health system. In 2024–25, urinary tract infections were Australia’s most common acute potentially preventable hospitalisation, accounting for more than 90,000 hospital admissions.
With one in two women experiencing a UTI in their lifetime, providing another pathway to timely assessment and treatment through community pharmacy has the potential to make accessing care more convenient.
Consultations under the trial will be delivered by specially trained pharmacists in private clinical consultation rooms at pharmacies that hold Quality and Safety Pharmacy Program accreditation.
Professor Twomey said the investment recognised the important role community pharmacy can play in delivering accessible primary healthcare and improving health outcomes.
Women should not have to wait weeks for care for common and treatable health conditions. Specially trained community pharmacists can treat and manage a range of everyday and long-term conditions.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey
“Community pharmacy is Australia’s most accessible frontline healthcare destination and are open earlier, later and longer than other healthcare providers, making it easier to receive care and treatment.”
There are more than 6,000 community pharmacies across Australia, while research shows 82% of people trust their pharmacist to provide health advice and treatment.
The new services build on models of pharmacist-delivered care already available internationally, including in Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
Professor Twomey said the national trial also strengthened the case for a consistent approach to pharmacist prescribing across Australia.
“Patients don’t think about healthcare through a state or territory lens. Patients deserve a nationally consistent framework to ensure all women can access high-quality, safe services in their community pharmacy no matter where they live.”
The Women’s Health Trial begins on 1 February 2027.
Find out more information through the Womens Health Trial learning page.
