COMMUNITY PHARMACIES TO EXPAND WOMEN’S HEALTHCARE SERVICES

This initiative is a significant step forward in addressing longstanding gaps in women’s health services

Australia’s community pharmacies are taking on a larger role in women’s health, with new services designed to expand and make women's healthcare more accessible and convenient.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, in partnership with Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Australia, has showcased how pharmacies can provide expanded services for women, from contraception consultations to chronic disease management, through a demonstration held at Parliament House.

“Women’s health will benefit significantly from increased services being available in community pharmacy,” said Professor Trent Twomey, National President of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

Already, women can seek treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections at community pharmacies nationwide, while some states also allow pharmacists to initiate hormonal contraception such as the pill.

To illustrate this future, a fully equipped consultation room was brought to Canberra, along with three Queensland prescribing pharmacists sharing their first-hand experiences.

Daile Kelleher, Chief Executive Officer of Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia, said: “Supporting women’s choices is incredibly important, and we know many women rely on their local community pharmacy to provide advice, support and treatment.

There needs to be ‘no wrong door’ when it comes to accessing sexual and reproductive health.

"Raising awareness about the services available and working with the government to shape future policy is absolutely crucial.”

Queensland-based prescribing pharmacist Cate Whalan added, “I’ve treated so many women at my community pharmacy since I became a prescribing pharmacist. I’ve seen firsthand what a lifeline it is for women to be able to access primary healthcare support at their local pharmacy.”

The event aligns with the Pharmacy Guild’s Towards 2035 plan, which aims to have 80 per cent of pharmacies offering expanded services and 80 per cent of pharmacists trained to treat additional conditions by 2035.

With almost 6,000 community pharmacies across Australia—many in towns where they are the only healthcare provider—the sector is uniquely placed to fill longstanding gaps in women’s health services.

This was further reinforced by the Albanese Government’s $573 million Women’s Health Package, which acknowledged the role pharmacies play in providing timely, local healthcare.

“This initiative is a significant step forward in addressing longstanding gaps in women’s health services,” Professor Twomey said. “It’s a clear recognition of the vital role pharmacists play in delivering timely, effective care.”

By placing pharmacies at the centre of healthcare delivery, advocates hope that women across Australia will soon have easier access to reproductive health support, chronic disease management, and treatment for everyday health needs.