In maaajor news for women’s health, the NHS has revealed that millions of women in the UK will be able to get free contraceptive pills on the high street from next year.
In 2024, women will no longer have to see a GP before being prescribed the pill and instead can obtain a prescription from their local pharmacy.
If someone wants the combined oestrogen and progestogen pill, they’ll have to have weight and blood pressure check-ups with a pharmacist, but if they’re just after the mini pill (progestogen only), no checks are needed.
The service won’t be available everywhere immediately, as pharmacies have to opt in. But to keep women in the loop, the NHS will update its website as more pharmacies join the scheme. Boots has already said it will be launching the service across its 2,000 plus sites.
The Times called the move ‘the most revolutionary changes for women’s health since hormonal contraception first became available in the 1960s’.
Dr Claire Fuller, NHS medical director for primary care and the NHS’ lead GP in England said: ‘I’m delighted the changes that the NHS is making mean people will have new and convenient ways of accessing treatments for many common conditions. In particular, contraception is essential for many women, and this is a big step forward in making these services easier for women to access.’
It is also hoped that the new move will help free up GP appointments at a time when NHS services are really feeling the strain.
Time Out’s take
Less pressure on the NHS and better contraceptive access for millions of women? This sounds like a win-win to us. Could the male pill be next? Last year we spoke to a bunch of Londoners for their take.
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