More women across New South Wales will soon be able to access continued supply of their oral contraceptive from a pharmacist, in a move welcomed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA).
From Saturday 28 September 2024, pharmacists not previously selected to participate in the NSW Pharmacy Trial will be able to resupply certain oral contraceptives following completion of additional training. Patient eligibility criteria has also expanded to include patients up to 50 years of age.
The announcement comes after the successful trial of services across participating pharmacies in the state, with oral contraceptive services now available permanently.
PSA New South Wales President Luke Kelly FPS welcomed the permanent expansion of OCP services.
“Pharmacists across New South Wales continue to show that we can do more to support our patients,” Mr Kelly said.
“Giving our patients the option to access contraception through skilled community pharmacists is an important step in making reproductive care more accessible to women across the state.
“This is one step toward better utilising the skills and expertise of pharmacists to improve health care in New South Wales.
I congratulate the Minister on solidifying the role of pharmacists in the continuous supply of oral contraceptives as a permanent part of the New South Wales health care system,” Mr Kelly concluded.