Victorian pharmacists to prescribe contraceptive pill

The RACGP has railed against a Victorian Government decision to allow pharmacists to prescribe the oral contraceptive pill, saying the change goes against safety advice.
 
From July, Victorian adults will be able to get the pill at one of 850 participating pharmacies, without having a script from a GP.
 
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the change will save the ‘hassle’ of booking a GP appointment.
 
‘Searching around for that bulk-billing GP appointment and then rearranging your day around that appointment, that’s a hassle, it’s also costing women time,’ she said.
 
‘That’s why we’re making a change here in Victoria.’
 
It’s a decision which has left RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz fuming, saying it goes against repeated warnings from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and undermines medicine safeguards.
 
‘We are deeply disappointed that the Victorian Government appears to be listening to lobbyists for pharmacy owners rather than the medicines experts, the TGA, whose guidance exists to protect patient safety,’ she said.
 
‘It has chosen a shortcut on women’s healthcare instead of investing in the evidence-based solutions that actually improve access.
 
‘Watering down safety standards is not a safe or effective way to improve access to care.’
 
Since 2023, the state’s pharmacists have been able to resupply an existing pill prescription – a service which has been accessed by 17,000 women since its launch.
 
Under the new pill prescribing initiative, the consultation with a pharmacist will be free but patients will still have to pay for the medication.
 
For specially trained pharmacists to deliver the service, they must undertake a thorough consultation and outline any risks, as well as provide comprehensive advice about other options, including long-acting reversable contraception.
 
George Tambassis, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Victoria Branch President, said the change is a ‘major step forward for women’s healthcare in Victoria’.
 
‘This is a practical, patient-focused reform that will make it easier for Victorian women to access the contraception they need, when they need it,’ he said.
 
‘By enabling pharmacists to prescribe oral contraception following additional accredited clinical training, the Victorian Government is improving access to care while maintaining strong safety and quality standards.
 
‘This reform means women will have more choice, faster access, and the confidence of knowing they can speak to a highly trained and trusted healthcare professional close to home.’
 
Over the next two years, Victoria’s pharmacy prescribing initiative, Chemist Care Now, will add another 23 treatments to program, including the resupply of hormone replacement therapy.
 
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