The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has partnered with Sexual Health and Reproductive Health Australia to showcase the future of women's services in community pharmacy. Stakeholders, partners and politicians have been invited to learn more about how increasing services will benefit women's health.
"Women's health will benefit significantly from increased services being available in community pharmacy" said Professor Trent Twomey, National President Pharmacy Guild of Australia.
"Women can already access treatment for uncomplicated UTIs at community pharmacies across Australia and in some states can visit their community pharmacy to initiate hormonal contraception, such as the pill.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, in partnership with Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia has brought an example consult room, fully equipped to conduct clinical consultations to Parliament House. Three prescribing pharmacists from Queensland have also travelled to Canberra to highlight their experience, expertise and the importance of healthcare access to their patients.
Daile Kelleher, Chief Executive Officer Sexual and Reproductive Health Australia, said: "Supporting women's choices is incredibly important and we know many women rely on their local community pharmacy to provide advice, support and treatment. There needs to be 'no wrong door' when it comes to accessing sexual and reproductive health. Raising awareness about the services available and working with government to shape future policy is absolutely crucial."
Cate Whalan, Queensland-based prescribing pharmacist said "I've treated so many women at my community pharmacy since I became a prescribing pharmacist. I've seen firsthand what a lifeline it is for women to be able to access primary healthcare support at their local pharmacy."
The event follows the launch of the Pharmacy Guild of Australia's Towards 2035 plan, which outlined its bold ambition for 80 per cent of pharmacies to be providing additional services and 80 per cent of pharmacists to be able to treat additional conditions by 2035.
Patients can receive treatment in pharmacy consultation rooms, like that on display at Parliament House, to speak to a trained pharmacist. These spaces enable pharmacists to deliver additional services including reproductive health consultations, chronic disease management and treatment for everyday health conditions.
"This is about showing what's possible when pharmacists are empowered to work to their full potential," Professor Twomey said.
"With almost 6,000 community pharmacies across Australia, and more than 300 towns where the only primary healthcare provider is a community pharmacy, we are uniquely positioned to provide accessible, high-quality healthcare to women in every corner of the country."
The importance women and girls' health was highlighted through the Albanese Government's $573 million Women's Health Package. This recognised the unique role of the nearly 6,000 community pharmacies in providing accessible and convenient healthcare and expanded access to women's health services.
"This initiative is a significant step forward in addressing longstanding gaps in women's health services," Professor Twomey added. "It's a clear recognition of the vital role pharmacists play in delivering timely, effective care."
The Guild's presence at Parliament House aims to engage policymakers and stakeholders in a conversation about the future—Towards 2035 and beyond—where pharmacists are central to a more accessible, patient-centred healthcare system.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has published a women's health fact sheet.
Photos are available.
