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हरेक खबर विशेष खबर

The Australian government announced on Monday that it will expand a pharmacy-based healthcare trial to all women, potentially benefiting about 900,000 Australians by making access to certain medicines cheaper and more convenient.
   Under the 12-month trial, scheduled to begin in early 2027, women will be able to obtain treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) and access hormonal contraception through local pharmacies, according to a government statement.
   The trial, previously limited to concession cardholders, will now be open to all women. Access to hormonal contraception without visiting a general practitioner will be subject to relevant state and territory regulations.
   The government will cover pharmacists' consultation fees, saving patients up to 38 Australian dollars (about 27 U.S. dollars) per visit, while prescription medicines under the scheme will cost no more than 25 Australian dollars each.
   Minister for Health and Ageing Mark Butler said the initiative aims to give women greater choice and control over their healthcare.
   "We want to make it easier for women to get care that fits into their lives," Butler said.
   The initiative forms part of the government's women's health package, which includes expanded subsidies for contraceptives and improved access to reproductive healthcare.
   According to the government, more than one million Australian women have accessed nearly 4.9 million lower-cost prescriptions for contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies and endometriosis treatments since the package was announced in 2025.
   Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care Rebecca White said the trial would assess the safety and effectiveness of pharmacy-based services, including patient assessment, referral and follow-up, before decisions are made on its future.
   The Pharmacy Guild of Australia welcomed the expansion, saying community pharmacies could help improve women's access to affordable primary healthcare.