Pill dispensing extended
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A NSW trial of pharmacists dispensing the oral contraceptive pill has been made permanent.
The policy, which started as a trial in September 2023, allows women across the state to access a 12-month refill of the contraceptive pill directly from pharmacists without needing a new prescription from a doctor.
Initially limited to women aged 18 to 35, the scheme will now extend eligibility to women aged 18 to 49.
For those aged 40 to 49, pharmacists will be able to dispense up to three months’ supply without the need for a doctor’s visit, subject to meeting specific criteria.
These developments are part of a broader NSW government push to increase access to healthcare services amid mounting pressure on GPs and hospitals.
Premier Chris Minns says that the initiative has been implemented to ease access to essential healthcare services.
“We know that people across NSW are doing it tough right now, even cutting back on essential healthcare because of affordability...we hope that this service will make it a little bit easier for women to access affordable healthcare,” he said.
The decision follows a trial period in which more than 500 pharmacies conducted over 2,000 consultations for contraceptive pill resupply across the state.
“It has been amazing to see over a thousand pharmacists across the state sign up to take part in each of the trial’s three phases so far, and this has prompted us to look at more ways they can help our communities,” said NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park.
Pharmacists wishing to participate in the scheme are required to complete specific training and must work in facilities equipped for such consultations.
The Health Minister says “stringent” training measures have been put in place to ensure that pharmacists can responsibly provide this service, which involves checking for any side effects, measuring vital statistics such as height and weight, and verifying that the pill being requested matches a woman's current medication.
The now permanent policy represents the second phase of a larger effort by the Minns Labor Government to expand the role of community pharmacists in primary healthcare.
Earlier in 2024, pharmacists were authorised to treat uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) on a permanent basis, following a similarly successful trial.
The NSW Government plans to further increase the capacity of pharmacists to address minor skin conditions by early 2025.
Despite the positive reception from pharmacists and many women, concerns have been raised by GPs regarding the potential risks of the expanded pharmacist roles.
The Royal Australian College of GPs has warned that women who obtain the contraceptive pill from pharmacists could skip regular medical check-ups, missing out on critical screenings for cervical cancer, breast cancer, and sexually transmitted infections.
GPs also stressed that a woman’s suitability for certain contraceptive pills may change over time, necessitating ongoing medical supervision.
Health Minister Park has acknowledged the concerns but noted the increasing difficulty many face in accessing GPs.
“While a regular GP visit is advisable, it is not always possible...We do believe we can now make this 'business as usual' and continue to make it as convenient as possible for women,” he told reporters.