As part of a 12-month trial, eligible women will be able to consult a pharmacist for UTI treatment or the pill with no out-of-pocket consultation fee.

From February 2027, eligible women will be able to consult a pharmacist at a participating community pharmacy for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or hormonal contraception, with no out-of-pocket consultation fee.

If the pharmacist prescribes a medicine, it will cost no more than $25 per prescription.

Health Minister Mark Butler has promoted the initiative, which will be trialled for 12 months, as a win for women’s health.

But what’s actually changing? And does the evidence support expanded roles for pharmacists?