Medical groups seek review of Victorian pharmacy contraception model
23 Sep 2026
The RACGP, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), and Rural Doctors Association of Victoria made the request in an open letter published on 22 September 2026.
The groups want the review to examine patient outcomes, adverse events and the broader effects of pharmacy prescribing models, including Victoria’s Chemist Care Now service.
Under the Victorian model, eligible patients can start or restart the oral contraceptive pill without a prescription. The service also allows eligible patients to receive repeat supplies of the vaginal ring and depot injection.
The medical groups said improving access to contraception is important, but they believe care should also include clinical assessment, discussion of contraceptive choices, consideration of individual risk factors and ongoing follow-up.
They called for new models of care to be properly tested before being expanded. The groups also pointed to previous analyses from the Sax Institute and Grattan Institute, which they said identified a need for stronger evidence and evaluation of patient outcomes.
The organisations said a review should also consider how the model affects women who have more complex health needs and may require care outside the pharmacy setting.
They also highlighted the importance of access to the full range of contraceptive options and ongoing reproductive healthcare.
The groups are calling for an independent review covering patient outcomes, adverse events, system-wide effects and the governance of expanded pharmacy prescribing models.
They said future contraception and reproductive healthcare services should provide timely, comprehensive and personalised care supported by appropriate safeguards.
Medical groups seek review of Victorian pharmacy contraception model
Source: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), 22 September 2026.