Women in WA will soon be able to buy the oral contraceptive pill from pharmacies for a year without going to the doctor for a script.
Health Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson and Premier Roger Cook announced Tuesday that women who had been continuously taking the pill for two years would be able to access a resupply for up to 12 months from chemists.
To be eligible, women must be between 16 and 39 years old, be deemed safe by the pharmacist and can only be taking the pill for birth-control purposes.
Pharmacists must undergo additional training before being able to resupply the pill so that they are qualified to assess if a woman can safely take the pill.
The online course for pharmacists to become qualified is available now. The service will be available to the public as pharmacists are trained.
Women will still have to see a GP at the end of a 12-month period for a medical review.
Ms Sanderson heralded the change as a “great announcement” that gave women better access to health care, while taking the pressure off doctors.
“We know that GPs are heavily subscribed,” she said.
“To support the community and health in the community, is only going to take pressure off GPs and, ultimately, the pressure off emergency departments.”
Pharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch acting president Natalie Willis said the reform would give women more control of their reproductive health.
“Up to 400,000 women may be eligible for this service in WA,” Ms Willis said.
“This is benefiting WA patients and providing greater access to services, and taking the pressure off the WA Health system — without compromising care and safety.”
To find a participating pharmacy visit www.findapharmacy.com.au and check for services available.
Changes to access of the pill come after the Government last year announced women could walk into a pharmacy and receive diagnosis and treatment for urinary tract infections.