THE Queensland Government is seeking federal support to down schedule the contraceptive pill, a move the Pharmacy Guild of Australia Queensland (PGAQ) has welcomed, amid pushing for even more contraceptive upheaval.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said she would campaign to Prime Minister Scott Morrison on the matter, which would see women access the pill freely from pharmacies without ever having to renew their initial prescription.
The push was announced yesterday on International Women's Day, alongside the declaration of the launch of a trial of pharmacies providing treatment for urinary tract infections (UTI), set to commence in the coming weeks.
PGAQ Branch President Professor Trent Twomey welcomed the news, but called for a comprehensive solution to the contraceptive pill issue, which goes beyond existing supply arrangements.
"While down scheduling sounds great, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidy for S4 medicines associated with the oral contraceptive and other contraception medications needs to be maintained," he said.
"The better solution involves minor changes to the current Drug Therapy Protocols, and I would urge the Government to move now, as down scheduling could take years.
"There is more work to be done if Queensland women are going to have the same access and ease of service as women in the UK, New Zealand and parts of Canada.
Professor Twomey also hailed the Government's efforts to stop potentially preventable UTI hospitalisations.
"In 2018, there were over 20,000 potentially preventable hospitalisations in Queensland due to urinary tract infections and kidney infections...this trial will help to support Queensland women by providing convenient, appropriate, safe and effective treatment for uncomplicated UTIs."
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