By Ben McKay and Lucinda Garbutt-Young in Canberra

Thousands of women will be able to access medicine immediately when it is needed, rather than waiting for a doctor’s appointment, following an expansion of federal government support.

A trial to allow easier access to both hormonal contraception and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) via a pharmacist will start on January 1, 2027.

Under the move, an estimated 900,000 women will have cheaper access to medication and will be able to attend a chemist for fast treatment.

“We don’t want to see women having a gap in their contraception simply because they’re not able to access their usual GP,” Health Minister Mark Butler told ABC TV on Monday.

“We are continuing to expand choice and affordability for Australia’s women with their healthcare.”

Federal funding will pay to train pharmacists and underwrite pharmacist consultation fees of up to $38 per visit.

The subsidised drugs were previously only available to concession card holders.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has championed the move, describing it as “landmark reform”.

But doctors argue that women with less straightforward symptoms risk misdiagnosis when heading to a pharmacist rather than a GP.

“UTI symptoms can overlap with other conditions,” said Royal Australian College of General Practitioners President Michael Wright.

“If the diagnosis is wrong, patients risk receiving antibiotics they don’t need while the real cause of their symptoms is missed or treatment is delayed.”

Infectious disease physicians have also expressed concern about UTI mistreatment through antibiotics.

The Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases said pharmacy treatment risks promoting multi drug-resistant infections.

But Pharmacy Guild President Trent Twomey said the trial “provided women more choice”.

“Already, every month, more than 8000 Australian women visit a community pharmacy for the treatment of uncomplicated UTIs,” he said.

“Thousands more think pharmacy first for hormonal contraception initiation and resupply.”

The year-long trial is part of a five-year $792 million women’s health package announced in 2025.

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