Advanced Pharmacy Australia (AdPha) welcomes the Albanese Labor Government’s $573.3 million funding package to provide women with more choice, lower costs and better health care.

Announced on 9 February, the new package of measures incorporates key recommendations from AdPha, shaped by the expertise and insights of its members.

AdPha President Tom Simpson praised the government for listening to patients and health care stakeholders, including the valuable contributions of AdPha Women’s and Newborn Health Specialty Practice members, to take action on expanding care and access in women’s health.

“AdPha members welcome these long-awaited measures, which will help remove barriers that have prevented women from accessing affordable health care for too long,” Mr Simpson said.

“We have strongly advocated for a comprehensive approach to managing perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms – focusing on awareness, education, and access to affordable, evidence-based treatments.

“We are pleased to see many of our recommendations, put forward during the Senate Inquiry and through our submission, reflected in this new package of measures,” he said.

“A/Prof McGuire from our Women’s and Newborn Health Committee specifically mentioned in her evidence that it had been over 20 years since any new medicines for menopause had been listed on the PBS, and these new listings will ensure that menopause hormonal therapies remain both affordable and accessible,” Mr Simpson said.

“Currently, over 85% of women experiencing bothersome symptoms of menopause or perimenopause are not receiving evidence-based care, despite the availability of both hormonal and non-hormonal therapies. With treatment options declining in recent years, we hope these reforms will reverse that trend.

“It is also great to see new contraceptives listed on the PBS for the first time in over 30 years, reflecting and subsidising contemporary treatment options that are used by many Australian women,” he said.

“We thank the government for prioritising women’s health and recognising the invaluable role of pharmacists in advocating for and supporting women’s health care needs.

“As this expands to including the provision of contraceptives and anti-microbials for uncomplicated UTIs at PBS co-payment prices for concession card holders by pharmacists – in direct support of our first recommendation of our Federal Budget submission – we look forward to enhanced multidisciplinary collaboration between doctors and pharmacists as we achieve patient-centred care,” Mr Simpson said.

“As medicines experts across all stages of reproductive health – from pregnancy, labour, and lactation to menopause and beyond – pharmacists are well-positioned to support women through these changes. With these new measures, we can play an even greater role in ensuring women receive safe, appropriate, and efficient care.”

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​Following a consultation with a pharmacist, Tasmanian patients aged 16 to 50 who have been stable on an oral contraceptive pill for two years will be able to access an additional 12-month supply of their pill. Patients must return to their GP every two years for assessment.

​Joining Tasmanian Health Minister Guy Barnett MP and Minister for Women Jo Palmer MLC yesterday, PSA Tasmanian Branch President Mark Kirschbaum FPS welcomed the announcement.

​“PSA has proudly advocated for expanded access to the oral contraceptive pill for some time, and we are particularly welcoming of the measure as a permanent part of our health system,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

​“Improving safe access to contraception is essential to improving Tasmanians’ access to health care. As pharmacists, we are proud to be playing our part in making accessible when and where they are needed.

​“PSA continues to support pharmacists across the state, with training available to all Tasmanian pharmacists participating in the program.

​“We are encouraged to see the Tasmanian Government take action on the recommendations of the Pharmacist Scope of Practice Review, and look forward to supporting the government in their work to implement the remaining recommendations,” Mr Kirschbaum said.

​Training is now available for Tasmanian pharmacists here.

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