11 July 2023
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) welcomes the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s decision to remove restrictions that prevent health professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, from prescribing and dispensing MS-2 Step (mifepristone and misoprostol).
From 1 August 2023, pharmacists will no longer need to be registered or undertake specific training to dispense MS-2 Step to patients across Australia.
PSA National President Dr Fei Sim FPS welcomes the move, noting that it will significantly improve women’s access to healthcare.
“This move will improve the access to care for women, making MS-2 step available in more pharmacies and in more communities in Australia”.
“This approach recognises that pharmacists are medicine experts, and that dispensing MS-2 Step and counselling patients on its use is already within the scope of practice of pharmacists.
“By removing unnecessary red tape, pharmacists can help more Australian women access reproductive care, in line with international experience.
“Pharmacists follow a robust process to ensure all medicines are dispensed safely and effectively.
“Community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professional for many Australians and play a critical role to ensure women’s equitable access to reproductive care, especially in rural and remote areas.
“As the Co-Chair of the Access, Care and Outcomes Subcommittee of the National Women’s Health Advisory Council chaired by Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Ged Kearney, I welcome this TGA decision to improve women’s access to reproductive care.”
Media contact: Georgia Clarke
M: 0480 099 798 E: georgia.clarke@psa.org.au
The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is the only national peak body that represents all of Australia’s pharmacists across all practice settings. We want every Australian to have access to the best healthcare, and this must include optimising access to pharmacists’ knowledge and medicines expertise at the forefront of our healthcare system.