Thousands of women across NSW will have easier, more affordable access to the oral contraceptive pill as a 12-month trial is made permanent by the Minns Labor Government. 

Since the oral contraceptive pill trial began in September 2023, more than 500 pharmacies have delivered over 2,000 consultations to women in NSW.

From this Saturday (28 September 2024), NSW pharmacists who have completed the required training and work in pharmacies with suitable facilities will be able to offer this service as part of their usual business. 

Women who have been using these contraceptive options continuously for the last two years, as prescribed by a doctor (GP) or nurse practitioner, and require a refill of their script will be able to access an extended supply for up to 12 months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription.

The NSW Government will make the existing service more accessible by expanding patient age eligibility criteria from 18-35 years to 18-49 years. Women aged 40-49 will now be able to access extended supply for up to three months without having to visit their doctor for a prescription, subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

The announcement follows the successful implementation of the first phase of the NSW Pharmacy Trial in May 2024, which saw more than 3,300 NSW pharmacists provide more than 18,000 consultations to women aged 18 to 65 with symptoms of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI). The UTI service transitioned to usual pharmacy care from 1 June 2024.

The third and final phase of the trial allowing pharmacists to manage common minor skin conditions is underway and will be running until early 2025.

NSW Health will receive a detailed evaluation of all three phases of the NSW Pharmacy Trial in 2025, which will inform future service expansions.

The NSW Government is committed to expanding the role of community pharmacists outside the trial framework and is working with NSW universities to develop formal training courses for pharmacists to manage a range of common conditions where clinically appropriate. 

Premier Chris Minns said, “We know that people across NSW are doing it tough right now, even cutting back on essential healthcare because of affordability.

“This trial has been a huge success, and now we'll make it permanent - women who are eligible will be able to go to their pharmacist to renew an existing script.

“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.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said, “I am excited to announce that women in NSW will now have easier ongoing access to continue their chosen contraceptive option as a result of the oral contraceptive pill trial service becoming usual business for community pharmacies in NSW.

“It has been amazing to see over a thousand pharmacists across the state sign up to take part in each of the trial’s three phases so far, and this has prompted us to look at more ways they can help our communities. 

“Earlier this month, the NSW Government announced thousands of people across NSW will in the near future be able to access treatment for ear infections, wound management, gastro, acne, muscle and joint pain at their local pharmacy, boosting access to fast, convenient healthcare across NSW.

“By empowering pharmacists to undertake consultations for these common conditions and medications, we can help improve access to primary care services which will relieve the pressure on the state’s busy GPs and our hospital system.

“We are working with the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and Pharmaceutical Society of Australia to ensure pharmacists have the support they need to continue delivering best practice and connected primary care.”

Catherine Bronger, Senior Vice of President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, NSW Branch said, “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.

“Making the availability of the pill at community pharmacies is the right thing for women and our communities.”