FROM 01 Mar 2025, women will have cheaper access to newer generation oral contraceptives and menopause hormone therapies when they are listed on the PBS.
The initiative is one of several Labor women's health measures announced over the weekend.
The new PBS listings will be implemented now, while other measures will be introduced if Labor is re-elected.
The listing of Yaz and Yasmin (drosperinone with ethinylestradiol) is expected to benefit around 50,000 women each year who will now pay $126.40 a year (or $30.80 a year with a concession card) instead of around $380 per year.
And around 150,000 women are expected to benefit from three new menopausal hormone therapies to be listed on the PBS: Estrogel (estradiol), Prometrium (progesterone) and Estrogel Pro (estradiol and progesterone).
This gives women experiencing ongoing supply issues with other MHT products an additional option without additional cost - instead of paying between $400 and $670 per year, they'll pay $380 per year, or $92 with a concession card.
Labor has also pledged $100 million for two national trials that will make it cheaper and easier for many women to get treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and over-the-counter contraceptives from the local community pharmacy.
"Both community pharmacists and health consumers will welcome the consistent national approach in the delivery of primary healthcare services that are critical for Australian women," said Australasian College of Pharmacy (College) CEO Amanda Seeto.
The College said all community pharmacists are "strongly encouraged" to enrol in its Uncomplicated Cystitis Training and Prescribing Hormonal Contraceptives Course, which are available via the College website.
However, the Australian Medical Association has criticised the move, saying GPs are best placed to diagnose and treat UTIs and to initiate oral contraceptives, noting that the TGA has previously said the risks of the Pill mean it should only be prescribed by a doctor. KB
The above article was sent to subscribers in Pharmacy Daily's issue from 10 Feb 25
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