South Australian women to have greater access to health care
20 November 2023
South Australian women will soon be able to access medication for a urinary tract infection (UTI) and a resupply of their oral contraceptive pill from their local pharmacist.
From March 2024, women aged 18 to 65 experiencing symptoms consistent with an uncomplicated UTI will be able to speak to trained community pharmacists for assessment and access to a one-off course of antibiotics, if they meet specific clinical criteria.
From May 2024, women will also be able to obtain a resupply of their oral contraceptive from trained community pharmacies without a prescription.
Every community pharmacist in South Australia will be able to take part in additional training to offer both programs which are modelled on services already operating in other states.
These measures were key recommendations made by a South Australian parliamentary committee, chaired by Jayne Stinson MP, which investigated UTIs and access to treatment for women in SA.
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) South Australia President Dr Manya Angley welcomed the move.
“PSA welcomes Minister Picton’s move to give South Australians greater access to safe health care when and where they need it,” Dr Angley said.
“We know that around half of women will experience a UTI in their lifetime, and that timely access to treatment is key to alleviating discomfort and preventing further complications or hospitalisation.
“Pharmacists in South Australia will be able to better support contraceptive adherence as well as saving patients time and money.
“Pharmacists are key to strengthening the health care system. Regional and rural communities across South Australia will benefit enormously from being able to access treatment from their local pharmacist, freeing up our hardworking rural GPs for more complex patient needs.
“I join pharmacists across South Australia in saying that we look forward to working with the Minister and SA Health to ensure that these programs are implemented with the health needs of women at the core,” Dr Angley concluded.
Media contact: Georgia Clarke M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
