A re-elected majority Liberal Government will expand its successful community pharmacy program to include extended prescriptions for the oral contraceptive pill.

Tasmanian women will be able to get a two-year supply of their pill with just one script, rather than just one year’s supply, as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

The Minister for Women Jo Palmer said this would save women two things that they’re already short of - time and money.

“Currently, Tasmanian women can only get a script for the oral contraceptive pill for one year,” Minister Palmer said.

“That means that every 12 months or less, they have no choice but to see the GP again for a repeat script.

“This is costly both on the hip-pocket, and in the time that it takes to see the GP among the hundreds of other things that we all must get done in a day.

“We’re going to change that. A re-elected majority Liberal Government will ensure that pharmacists can supply a repeat script of the pill.

“This means women can see a GP once, and get two years’ worth of the pill, rather than just one year.

“This is great news for tens of thousands of Tasmanian women, who can save around $60 for a GP visit, as well as the time it takes to see a doctor.

“This will also free-up appointments for GPs who can see Tasmanians with health concerns, rather than an issue a repeat script.”

If re-elected, this will start from July 1 this year. Women will be eligible for resupply if they are aged over 18 years, have had a prescription for certain types of oral contraceptive pill issued in the previous 12 months; and, are taking the pill for contraceptive purposes.

Our community pharmacy reforms also includes the successful No Script, No Stress initiative, which started in 2022. It has enabled Tasmanian pharmacists to make a one-off supply of most prescription-only medicines to patients.

All pharmacies across Tasmania can issue a one off supply for most prescription medicines.

The UTI program which sees pharmacists diagnose and initiate treatment including prescription antibiotics started this week. There are 114 pharmacies currently approved to provide treatment of uncomplicated UTIs - right across Tasmania.