The oral contraception pill will now be permanently available over the counter for NSW women after a successful trial. or signup to continue reading The state government's year-long initiative allowed women from 18 to 35 years to have access to an extended supply for up to 12 months without visiting their doctor if they had been using the contraceptive for at least two years. The permanent service will begin on Saturday, September 28, where the age eligibility will be expanded to include women up to 49 years, who can instead get an extra three-month supply of the contraceptive at their pharmacy.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said he recognised people across NSW were cutting back on essential healthcare due to its affordability. "At a time when seeing a GP can be difficult, we hope that this service will make it a little bit easier for women to access affordable healthcare, where and when they need it." More than 2000 consultations were delivered by 500 pharmacies across the trial, and eligible pharmacists must have mandatory training.
Pharmacy Guild of Australia NSW branch senior vice president Catherine Bronger has welcomed the move. "With our GPs stretched, community pharmacists have provided thousands of women with repeat prescriptions of the oral contraceptive pill under the NSW Government's trial," she said. "Making the at community pharmacies is the right thing for women and our communities.
" The announcement of the trial's implementation comes after the first phase of the NS.
