Eligible pharmacists to prescribe oral contraceptive pill under NSW reforms

LOCAL women will have improved access to the oral contraceptive pill under Minns Labor Government reforms, according to State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.

Saffin said the changes allow eligible pharmacists to directly prescribe and supply the oral contraceptive pill to lower-risk women between the ages of 18 and 30 in New South Wales.

She said the reforms would deliver practical benefits for patients and the wider health system by making access to the oral contraceptive pill easier.

“This means that if you choose to use this service, you can skip the GP appointment, saving money and time and freeing up more appointments for people with other health needs,” Saffin said.

 

Pharmacists who have completed approved training are now able to prescribe the oral contraceptive pill under the new arrangements.

“As of last Friday (5 June), eligible pharmacists who have met approved training requirements will be able to prescribe the pill, with numbers expected to grow significantly as more pharmacists complete training,” Saffin said.

The initiative is part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader plan to improve healthcare affordability and accessibility in the Lismore Electorate, including allowing GPs to diagnose and prescribe for ADHD to reduce specialist wait times and high costs, expanding pharmacy treatment services, including for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and common skin conditions, measures aimed at reducing emergency department wait times for emergency patients, and the introduction of FluMIST to improve access to flu vaccinations for young children.

Residents are encouraged to check with their local pharmacist to see whether they offer the new prescribing or resupply service.