College training supports new Australian Government women’s health initiative

The Australasian College of Pharmacy (College) welcomes the Women’s Package announced by the Australian Government, which will enable eligible women and girls to receive treatment for an uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) and receive initiation and ongoing supply for hormonal contraception from their local community pharmacy. 

The College has been at the forefront of developing and delivering education and training to enable community pharmacists to work at an expanded scope and provide greater healthcare services to Australians. College CEO Amanda Seeto supports this women’s health initiative.

“Both community pharmacists and health consumers will welcome the consistent national approach in the delivery of primary healthcare services that are critical for Australian women.”

“The College has been providing training for the management of urinary tract infections since Queensland established the Urinary Tract Infection Training Pilot in June 2020, and the number of pharmacists that have successfully completed the training continues to grow,” Ms Seeto said.

Similarly, the College was first-to-market with the Prescribing Hormonal Contraceptives Course following the announcement of the Queensland Hormonal Contraceptive Pilot in March 2024.

“Queensland pharmacists’ completion of the Prescribing Hormonal Contraceptives Course has been steady. I look forward to the College expanding this Course to pharmacists in all states and territories,” Ms Seeto concluded.

Existing clinical protocols and guidelines will be rolled out nationally to ensure harmonisation and consistency. Community pharmacies stand ready to commence services from 1 July 2025.  

All community pharmacists are strongly encouraged to enrol in the College’s Uncomplicated Cystitis Training and Prescribing Hormonal Contraceptives Course, both of which are available via the College website.

College Pharmacist Members can enrol in the Uncomplicated Cystitis Training for free and receive a reduced rate for the Prescribing Hormonal Contraceptives Course.