THE Queensland Community Pharmacy Hormonal Contraception pilot officially launched yesterday, providing people with access to hormonal contraception services in community pharmacies across the state.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Queensland branch Vice President, Cate Whalan, said while the pilot services are currently available in a limited number of pharmacies, it will expand rapidly as more pharmacists complete the necessary training and receive authorisation from Queensland Health.
"This pilot is a game changer for women's health in Queensland," said Whalan.
"With services now available, patients across Queensland can expect better access to hormonal contraception services."
She credited Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services, and Women, Shannon Fentiman, for her leadership in making the pilot possible.
The service is open to patients aged 16 years and older, addressing a healthcare need as hormonal contraception is a common reason for medical appointments among women under 40, added Whalan.
The initiative offers an alternative to telehealth for those who previously struggled with a lack of face-to-face appointments, she said.
However, Dr Cathryn Hester, The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners Queensland Chair, expressed strong concerns, arguing that the move prioritises political gain over women's safety.
"The TGA regulates medicines to protect health, and pharmacists' six-hour courses and minor pharmacy renovation don't change that," said Hester.
"This is a political decision, not evidence-based."
Hester stressed the risks associated with hormonal contraception, noting the TGA's refusal to down-schedule oral contraceptives due to potential adverse events.
"A short training course and rushed pharmacy consultations can't replace the decade of training GPs undergo," Hester added.
She was critical of the pilot's evaluation, likening it to market research rather than rigorous health outcome assessment.
"Health service evaluations should be prioritising health outcomes, not convenience or cost," Hester concluded.
Pharmacy Guild's Whalan said, "community pharmacists participating in the pilot have undergone additional accredited clinical training and been authorised by Queensland Health".
"With community pharmacies widely accessible, the pilot aims to reduce pressure on GPs (PD 08 Aug), and provide patients with more options for managing their reproductive health.
"After all, 97% of people in urban areas live within 2.5km of their nearest community pharmacy, and 83% of regional Australians live within 5km," Whalan added. JG
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