CANBERRA, OCTOBER 26/INDIAN ABROAD NEWSDESK
The Federal Government has announced an expansion of a pharmacy trial that will allow more women to seek treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and obtain hormonal contraception through participating community pharmacies from early 2027.
In a media release dated October 26, the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing said the 12-month trial would be extended beyond concession cardholders to all women, with an estimated 900,000 women potentially eligible to benefit. The government said the trial would cover pharmacist consultation costs, with women paying no more than $25 per prescription under the announced arrangements.
The same government release said access to hormonal contraception without a GP visit would depend on the rules applying in the relevant state or territory. It also explained that the trial would assess patient safety, referrals and follow-up arrangements before any decision was made about the programme’s future.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia national president Professor Trent Twomey welcomed the expansion in comments included in the government’s announcement, describing community pharmacies as a convenient option for accessing primary healthcare.
