Feb 26, 2025

Should pharmacists be able to provide the pill over the counter without a script?

Should pharmacists be able to provide the pill over the counter without a script?
A new national trial could see pharmacists supplying the pill over the counter—no GP visit needed. [iStock].

As we head towards a federal election, the Labor government recently announced a funding package worth A$573 million for women’s health.

The funding includes $100 million to support two national trials for pharmacies to provide the oral contraceptive pill and treatments for uncomplicated urinary tract infections over the counter.

The question of whether or not pharmacists should be able to provide the oral contraceptive pill without a prescription from a GP has long been a topic of debate.

We asked five experts for their thoughts. Should pharmacists be able to provide the pill over the counter without a script?

Four out of five said yes. Here are their detailed responses.

The Conversation

Phoebe Roth, Health Editor, The Conversation

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. If a Woman is already on the contraceptive pill then I suppose it would be ok as long as the Woman’s health is fine!

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Does this look pureed? Dysphagia chef provides dignified dining for those with modified diets

Food is much more than something we consume to give us sustenance. Families gather over food and talk about their day. We feast on special occasions like Christmas and Easter, and we eat special foods to celebrate, such as on birthdays and anniversaries. Sometimes people with dysphasia may be excluded from these gatherings altogether. Read More

Health care contributes 7% to Australia’s carbon emissions – but health is missing from our COP26 plan

Australia finally has a net zero plan at the Commonwealth level. But so far, health hasn’t been factored into Australia’s national climate response. The federal government has yet to announce plans specific to the sector or, more broadly, the health of Australians. Read More

Good Nutrition: Tips for People with Dementia

Poor nutrition is a common health problem for ageing people. That said for people with dementia, maintaining good nutrition presents an extra challenge, as people with dementia overtime may begin to experience the following: Loss of appetite, Forget to eat and drink if not prompted, Experience dry mouth or discomfort, Find it difficult to chew... Read More
Advertisement