THE Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has praised a move by the Queensland Government to allow trained pharmacists to dispense hormonal contraception to women 16 years and older across the state from Jul 2024.
Under the new pilot program, local pharmacists can prescribe low-estrogen oral contraceptive pills and the progesterone-only pill.
In addition, an injected version - depot medroxyprogesterone acetate - and the combined hormonal contraceptive vaginal ring can also now be obtained without first needing to see a GP.
Speaking ahead of the Women's Health Summit in Canberra this week, PSA National President Associate Professor Fei Sim called on state and territory governments around Australia to follow Queensland's lead and make access to contraceptive care easier.
She highlighted that, while 83% of Australian women have used contraception at some point in their lives, "there are still significant barriers to access that need to be addressed".
A/Prof Sim said collaboratively, the health system's capacity can be improved, especially with all health professionals practicing to their full scope and capability.
"I call on all governments across the country to consider measures to improve women's access to reproductive healthcare.
"We congratulate and commend the Queensland Government for their leadership and commitment to improve women's access to contraception," she added.
PSA Queensland President, Shane MacDonald, said the body looked forward to working more closely with Queensland Minister for Health Shannon Fentiman.
"Appropriately trained pharmacists can do more to support the healthcare needs of Queenslanders, including improving access to safe and effective hormonal contraceptives." ML
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