NSW women will no longer need to go to the GP to get the pill 

Women will soon be able to get the contraceptive pill without seeing a doctor in NSW as the state becomes the first to let pharmacists renew prescriptions. 

The sweeping changes will come into effect from April 1 with pharmacies also allowed to prescribe antibiotics for urinary tract infections.

The announcement comes as the state government attempts to tackle a GP shortage by freeing up some of their time. 

From July 1 women in NSW will be able to get the contraceptive pill without seeing a doctor. Pictured is a woman talking to a pharmacist

If the Liberal-National ­Coalition retains power in next months’s NSW election, the state government will subsidise both types of consultations in a one-year trial.

‘We want to ease pressure on the GP network and emergency departments,’ Premier Dominic Perrottet said on Sunday.

‘Pharmacists will be able to prescribe medications … to make a real difference to families and women right across NSW in modernising our health system.’

Mr Perrottet announced the rollout of the $5million trial – which was first flagged in December – despite strong opposition from doctors. 

Consultation fees for women aged 18-65 with UTIs and 18-35 for the contraceptive pill will be covered by the government if the Coalition wins on March 25.

The move will save women about $25 per appointment.

Mr Perrottet said women would be able to book online to see a pharmacist or just walk into their local pharmacy.

‘This is about making it easier and quicker for people, particularly women, to access important prescription medications and treatments,’ he told the Sunday Telegraph.

The Premier said it’s harder than ever to get a doctor’s appointment, making changes such as these necessary.

‘We know household budgets are under strain and that’s why we will also foot the bill,’ he said.

Consultation fees for women aged 18-65 with UTIs and 18-35 for the contraceptive pill will be covered by the government if the Coalition wins on March 25, saving them about $25 per appointment. Pictured are contraceptive pills

Mr Perrottet wrote to Prime Minister Anthony ­Albanese earlier this week to ask that pharmacists be added to the Medicare benefits scheme.

The NSW plan will mean women who got a contraceptive pill prescription from a GP or nurse practitioner in the past two years can get it renewed by a pharmacist.

Around 330,000 women in NSW have contraceptive pill prescriptions. 

Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor said the changes would greatly benefit women in rural and regional areas, where ‘the GP crisis is blowing out wait times for an appointment’.

Pharmacists taking part in the trial will get training to ensure safe prescribing practices.