Easier access to contraceptive pill draws GP criticism

THE contraceptive pill will be available at participating pharmacies without a prescription from July, under a Victorian government plan that has drawn criticism from general practitioners.

The move will allow people aged over 18 to obtain the medication after a consultation with a trained pharmacist at about 850 pharmacies across the state.

Premier, Jacinta Allan, said the change was intended to remove barriers to contraception.

“Accessing contraception should not be a burden for women.”

Pharmacists providing the service will be required to complete additional clinical training and conduct a consultation before dispensing the medication.

The consultation will be free, but patients will still pay for the medication.

Pharmacists will also be required to outline possible risks and discuss other contraceptive options, including longer-acting methods.

Pharmacists have been able to provide the contraceptive pill to people who already have a prescription since 2023 under a state trial. About 17,000 people haveused the service.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomed the move, saying it would improve access to reproductive healthcare and reduce pressure on the primary care system.

“Almost every Victorian lives within a short distance of a community pharmacy,” Victorian branch president, George Tambassis, said.

“This reform means women will have more choice, faster access, and the confidence of knowing they can speak to a highly trained and trusted healthcare professional close to home.”

But the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners has criticised the decision, saying it weakens medical safeguards and conflicts with assessments by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), the national medicines regulator.

Victorian chair Dr Anita Muñoz said a recent TGA review found the contraceptive pill should remain a prescription medicine prescribed by a doctor.

“We are deeply disappointed that the Victorian government appears to be listening to lobbyists for pharmacy owners rather than the medicines experts, the TGA, whose guidance exists to protect patient safety,” she said.

“At a time when the government faces a challenging political environment in an election year, it has chosen a shortcut on women’s healthcare instead of investing in the evidence–based solutions that actually improve access.”