Saturday, December 14, 2024

AT LONG LAST! Major change coming to the pill in WA

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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.

Camera IconPharmacy Guild of Australia WA Branch acting president Natalie Willis said the reform would give women more control of their reproductive health. Credit: Andrew Ritchie/The West Australian

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.

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