Within a few weeks, Australians will have a larger choice of cheaper contraceptive pills and menopause drugs, because the government promised more medicine discounts in a health boost for the women's elections.
New medication lists on the pharmaceutical benefit schedule (PBS) will be in force from 1 March, while other promises in the $ 573.3 million package will take place after the upcoming elections as Labor will secure a different period.
They include more pelvic pain clinics and larger medicine discounts for both the health reviews of the menopause and long-term contraception, which can cost hundreds of dollars.
The federal government has also waved its support behind freely available contraceptive pills and antibiotics for women with uncomplicated urinary tract infections, so that $ 100 million is committed for two tests.
Different states already allow patients without a prescription directly access to those drugs of pharmacists, despite the opposition of doctor's groups.
To an estimated one in three Australian women who use the combined oral contraceptive pill between the ages of 18 and 39, take medicines that are not available under the PBS, so that the list saves them thousands, according to the federal government.
The two too added contraceptive pills, Yaz and Yasmin, are used by 50,000 women.
They can cost $ 380 a year, but that would fall to $ 126.40 or $ 30.80 with a concession card.
New medication lists about the pharmaceutical benefit schedule will come into effect from 1 March. Shown: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
Menopausal hormone therapies mentioned, Estrogel, Prometrial and Estrogel Pro, can cost between $ 400 and $ 670 per year.
It marked the first time that these types of medicines had been added to the PBS for decades, which showed that the system had not worked for women, said Minister of Health Mark Butler.
“It is time that Australian women have more choice, lower costs and better health care,” he said.
“Today's announcement is a tribute to all Australian women who have worked so hard, so long to make their voice heard and recognized.”
Assistant -Minister of Health and former nurse Ged Kearney said it would shift the dial to a deep -rooted culture of medical women's hatred. “
“We are talking about relieving pain, reducing delays in diagnosis, avoiding unplanned pregnancies and transforming the menopause,” she said.
The move was welcomed by the accomplished mountaineer Allie Pepper, who considered giving up her distinguished career when she first experienced overwhelming symptoms of the menopause at the age of 45.
“Sometimes climbing Mount Everest felt easier than overcoming the symptoms of the menopause,” she said.
'These therapies ensure that women feel normal again.
“They are essential and must be available and affordable when women need lighting of the symptoms of menopause.”
