Pharmacists Sean Dodd and Angela Lam should be able to prescribe the Pill by next year. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Longstanding Griffith chemist John Dodd Pharmacy is preparing to offer a new service that could allow residents to access the Pill and some common medications without needing to visit a GP by early 2027.
Under reforms announced by the NSW Government, specially trained pharmacists will be able to prescribe the oral contraceptive pill – a medication used to prevent pregnancy – as well as certain antibiotics and treatments for low-risk patients over the age of 18. The changes are set to begin from 1 June 2026.
Pharmacist Sean Dodd said the announcement might be a little premature, with only around 70 pharmacists across Australia having completed the graduate certificate required to prescribe these medications. At present, none are based in Griffith.
However, he said he and fellow pharmacist Angela Lam were undertaking the training and expected to be qualified by the end of the year.
“This is exciting news, as it takes away that arduous process for females of having to find a GP they’re comfortable with, whereas they may be more comfortable with a pharmacist,” he said.
“The pharmacy profession is dominated by females, whereas the prevalence of female GPs in rural areas is quite low.”
Mr Dodd said the qualification would allow pharmacists to prescribe medicines for up to 45 conditions, including skin diseases such as shingles – a painful rash caused by the same virus as chickenpox.
“This will be helpful in a town like Griffith, where people sometimes have to wait up to two weeks to see their GP,” he said.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA), which represents doctors, has criticised the reform, arguing that pharmacists both prescribing and selling medicines could create a conflict of interest.
Mr Dodd rejected that concern.
“If I write you a script, there is nothing that says you have to have it filled in our pharmacy. It will be a legal prescription you can take anywhere. Ethically, there’ll be no expectations to have it done here,” he said.
“We are well aware of our limitations and will err on the side of caution. We see this as an alternative to telehealth more than an alternative to GPs.
“What we’d like to do is help create a better service for doctors. We are giving people a second opinion and are able to explain things in layman’s terms to patients.”
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park also highlighted the benefits of the change.
“Access to contraception should not be a burden for women, and the NSW Government is providing new solutions to make life easier, more affordable and safer for women,” he said.
“I’m excited to announce that women in NSW will now have ongoing and easier ways to continue their chosen contraception option through community pharmacies.”
John Dodd Pharmacy, located at 258 Banna Ave, is open 7:30 am to 6 pm weekdays, 8:30 am to 1 pm Saturdays and 9 to 11:30 am on Sundays.
