Pharmacy Prescribing Trial to Expand to All Women
26 Oct 2026
The Federal Government plans to extend pharmacy prescribing for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and hormonal contraception to all women from January. The scheme was initially designed for concession card holders.
The original 12-month pilot was announced seven months ago. Under the expanded program, around 900,000 more women could benefit from easier access to treatment, subject to state and territory rules, without needing to visit a general practitioner (GP).
However, the announcement has raised concerns from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). President Dr Michael Wright said the expansion prioritises politics over patient safety.
He questioned why the program was being widened before its results had been evaluated. The RACGP has called for a thorough review of the trial and said there is not enough evidence to confirm that expanding pharmacy prescribing for contraception is safe or necessary.
Federal Health and Ageing Minister Mark Butler said the initiative aims to make healthcare more accessible and give women greater choice in managing their health.
Women’s health expert Professor Danielle Mazza also raised concerns about the lack of Australian data on the safety and quality of pharmacy-prescribed contraception.
She warned that the policy could affect the use of long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), including intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants, which pharmacists cannot prescribe under the scheme. Some women may choose oral contraceptive pills instead, even when another method might better suit their needs.
Dr Wright also highlighted concerns about fragmented care, possible side effects and women receiving treatment that may not be the most appropriate option.
In contrast, Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President Professor Trent Twomey welcomed the expansion, saying it would give women more choice in accessing affordable primary healthcare.
He said specially trained pharmacists already provide these services in Australia and internationally. More than 8,000 Australian women reportedly visit community pharmacies each month for uncomplicated UTI treatment, with additional patients seeking to start or renew hormonal contraception.
The expansion has renewed debate over how pharmacy prescribing can improve access while maintaining safety, continuity of care and evidence-based treatment.
Pharmacy Prescribing Trial to Expand to All Women
Source: newsGP, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP).