Women will soon be able to access free consultations for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTI), hormonal contraception initiation, and contraception resupply at eligible, participating community pharmacies.
Where prescription medicines are necessary, PBS-listed medicines will be provided to patients at PBS-equivalent prices, currently $25 for general patients and $7.70 for concession card holders.
The investment was announced by Federal Health Minister Mark Butler MP at Capital Chemist Kingston in Canberra today, and the Albanese Government’s Women’s Health Trial begins in February 2027.
National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia Professor Trent Twomey said the funding would remove cost barriers and make it easier for more women to access care where and when they needed it.
“This is a landmark step forward for women’s healthcare in Australia, and we congratulate Minister Butler and Prime Minister Albanese for continuing to deliver on their commitment to improve women’s healthcare.”
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports 1 in 4 Australian women who needed to see a GP said they waited longer than they thought was appropriate for an appointment.
In 2024-2025, urinary tract infections were Australia’s most common acute potentially preventable hospitalisation, accounting for over 90,000 hospital admissions1. Left untreated, UTIs can cause serious health complications.
Being able to access treatment locally, without the cost of a consultation, will make a real difference to the 1 in 2 women2 who will experience a UTI in their lifetime.
Consultations for uncomplicated UTIs and contraception services will be delivered by specially trained pharmacists, in private clinical consultation rooms in pharmacies that hold quality and safety accreditation.
Jessica, 38 from Queanbeyan said, “I recently started having symptoms of what I knew was a UTI on a Saturday when it wasn’t possible to see a GP.
“I was able to see the pharmacist for a consult and receive the antibiotics I needed to resolve the problem.
“The other option was to go to the emergency department which was not a practical option for me as a busy mum.
“Women know their own bodies, they know what they need, especially when it comes to conditions such as UTI.
“Today’s announcement means women, like me will have better access to affordable health care when and where need it – allowing them to get on with their day.”
Professor Twomey said the announcement demonstrated the important role community pharmacy plays in delivering accessible primary healthcare and improving health outcomes for patients.
“Women should not have to wait weeks for care for common and treatable health conditions. Specially trained community pharmacists can treat and manage a range of everyday and long-term conditions.
“Community pharmacy is Australia’s most accessible frontline healthcare destination and are open earlier, later and longer than other healthcare providers, making it easier to receive care and treatment.”
There are more than 6,000 community pharmacies across Australia and 82% of people3 trust their pharmacist to provide health advice and treatment.
Professor Twomey said the services had been available internationally, including in Canada, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, for many years and called for a nationally consistent framework for pharmacist prescribing.
“Patients don’t think about healthcare through a state or territory lens. Patients deserve a nationally consistent framework to ensure all women can access high-quality, safe services in their community pharmacy no matter where they live.”
