Free pharmacist consultations for UTIs and contraception start February 2027
From February 2027, women get free pharmacist consultations for UTI treatment and hormonal contraception, capped at $25 per prescription.
From February 2027, eligible women can see a pharmacist at participating pharmacies. There is no fee for uncomplicated UTI treatment or hormonal contraception.
Any prescribed medicine costs no more than $25. Health Minister Mark Butler is piloting the scheme for 12 months.
State schemes vary. Some let pharmacists start a prescription.
Others only allow repeats. The trial aims to make access the same everywhere.
For UTIs, pharmacists can prescribe antibiotics based on symptoms when a patient meets eligibility criteria. However, pregnant women, those with frequent infections, or those with risk factors still need a doctor.
For contraception, pharmacists can start the pill, vaginal ring or depot injection. Research shows high satisfaction with existing state schemes.
But experts note gaps remain in long-term safety data.
- February 2027
- Start date
- 12 months
- Trial duration
- $25 per prescription
- Medicine cost cap
- Mark Butler
- Minister
Why it mattersRemoving cost barriers helps women get treatment faster. It keeps them in care when they need antibiotics or contraception.
AustraliaAustralian women gain subsidised access to two treatments they commonly need; reduces pharmacy gaps between states.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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