Women in the Swansea electorate can now access the oral contraceptive pill directly from a local pharmacist without first visiting a GP.

Budgewoi Discount Drug Store has become the first pharmacy in the electorate to offer the service under a NSW Government reform aimed at improving access to women’s healthcare.

Specially trained community pharmacists can prescribe and supply the oral contraceptive pill to eligible, lower-risk women aged between 18 and 30.

The change is expected to reduce the time and cost involved in accessing contraception, particularly for women who may face long waits for a GP appointment.

While commonly used to prevent pregnancy, the oral contraceptive pill can also help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce period pain and manage hormonal conditions including polycystic ovary syndrome.

Pharmacists must complete specialist training, including a NSW-specific workshop, before they can provide the service.

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said the reform would make essential healthcare more convenient for local women.

“This is fantastic news for women across our community and I’d like to thank Budgewoi Discount Drug Store for getting on board and making this service available locally,” she said.

“This is a common-sense change that will save women time and money while freeing up GP appointments for people who really need them.”

Ms Catley said she hoped more pharmacies across the electorate would complete the required training and begin offering the service.

More than 700 pharmacies across NSW already have a pharmacist qualified to prescribe or renew the oral contraceptive pill.

The NSW Government expects about 250 additional providers to begin offering the service by the end of 2026.

A new training course developed with Family Planning Australia will begin in October and take about two weeks to complete.

The course will be subsidised for 100 pharmacists working in rural, remote and under-serviced metropolitan communities, with funding also provided to help cover time away from work during training.

The government will cover the cost of the first 5,000 pharmacist consultations across NSW.

Patients will still need to pay for the medication itself, which generally costs between $15 and $60.

Budgewoi Discount Drug Store manager Michael said improved accessibility was one of the biggest benefits of the reform.

“The best thing about this is the accessibility, and it’s wonderful that the government is also subsidising it for the first 5,000 patients,” he said.

The pharmacy reform forms part of broader changes to expand the healthcare services available through community pharmacies, including treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and common skin conditions.

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