Pharmacists to prescribe oral contraceptive pill in health reform

NSW women will be able to access the oral contraceptive pill directly from trained pharmacists under a $4.5m state government plan.

The reform allows eligible pharmacists to prescribe the medication to women over the age of 18 from Wednesday 15 April 2026.

NSW premier Chris Minns said the change addressed the difficulties many women face when trying to secure a doctor’s appointment for a routine prescription.

“This is basic healthcare for millions of Australian women and this is about making it easier to get that care, without extra cost or hassle,” Mr Minns said.

“Just because something’s always been done a certain way, it doesn’t mean it’s the best way to keep doing it – it’s not working for busy women to access a doctor to get a script”.

State member for Lismore Janelle Saffin welcomed the Minns Labor government’s initiative, saying it was something she, along with other MPs and community members, advocated for.

“This is about women getting on the pill initially, which was previously not able to be done with your trusted pharmacist,” Ms Saffin said.

The state government will fund the first 5,000 consultations with a trained pharmacist.

Once that funding is exhausted, patients are expected to pay between $20 and $60 for a consultation.

The policy follows a clinical trial for resupplying the pill that started in September 2023, which currently involves 773 pharmacies across the state.

Pharmacists must hold a graduate certificate from James Cook University and complete a state induction course in reproductive health to be eligible to prescribe.

Officials expect about 60 pharmacists to be eligible to start the service immediately, with more to follow as they finish the required training.

Participating pharmacies will be able to provide additional options including the medroxyprogesterone acetate injection and the combined hormonal contraceptive ring.NSW health minister Ryan Park said the expansion would provide faster and more convenient access to care while reducing pressure on general practitioners.

The Pharmacy Board of Australia is expected to release national guidelines regarding endorsed pharmacist prescribers as part of the transition.

Universities will be able to apply for course accreditation once the guidelines are endorsed by all Australian health ministers.

This change is part of a broader shift in pharmacy services which includes treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and common skin conditions.NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said the investment addressed gaps in healthcare access for women limited by cost or location.

Dr Chant said the move supported equitable access to essential reproductive healthcare by ensuring more women could access contraception in a timely and simple way.