On International Women’s Day 2025, the Guild joined the call to Accelerate Action on women’s health. One of the most urgent areas for action is affordable access to medicines, as new research confirms that cost is a major barrier for women. Community pharmacists see firsthand how women are disproportionately impacted by rising healthcare costs.
The latest Insightfully research from November 2024 reveals:
- 27% of women have been unable to afford their prescribed medicines in the past three years.
- This figure is even higher for women aged 35-54, with one in three (35%) unable to afford their medication.
- Women are twice as likely as men to say they can’t afford a prescription for themselves or their family.
- The number of women who say they can’t afford medicine has risen by one-third since 2022.
Among those who couldn’t afford their prescriptions:
- 41% also reported long GP wait times.
- 55% sought treatment at an emergency department because they couldn’t see a GP.
Sydney community pharmacist Catherine Bronger said many women are not only managing their own healthcare needs but also making tough financial decisions for their families.
“Many of the women who visit my pharmacy are not only filling scripts for themselves but also for their partner and kids, and in some cases, their extended family.
“When patients and their family members have one or more chronic conditions, the costs really add up. I have many regular female patients who get three, four, sometimes up to ten prescriptions each month.”
Pharmacists across Australia are already accelerating action on women’s health by providing accessible, community-based healthcare solutions, including:
- Contraceptive resupply, ensuring continued access
- Treatment for uncomplicated UTIs, reducing delays in care
- Maternal health support, including pregnancy vaccinations
However, pharmacists are increasingly being asked by patients which medicines they should prioritise, as they can’t afford to fill all their prescriptions.
“What worries community pharmacists is the consequences for patients who go without their prescribed medicines,” Ms Bronger said. “Medicine non-adherence can lead to the accelerated onset of chronic conditions, hospitalisation, and permanent impairment.”
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia is calling on the Federal Government to take action by reducing out-of-pocket costs for essential medicines.
Medicine should never be a luxury item.
“The government has the power to make medicine more affordable by reducing the general co-payment for PBS-listed medicines. This will have an immediate effect on cost-of-living pressures, putting money directly back into the pockets of families,” said Professor Trent Twomey, Pharmacy Guild National President.
Currently, non-concession cardholders pay up to $31.60 per prescription under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). A reduction in the PBS co-payment would provide direct relief for women struggling to afford their essential medicines.
This International Women’s Day, the Guild highlighted the critical role of community pharmacy in reducing barriers to care—but further action is needed.
By expanding services and reducing costs, community pharmacy is driving real change in women’s health. Now, it’s time to #AccelerateAction even further—ensuring every woman in Australia can access the medicines she needs, when she needs them.
For more information and resources to enable you to share the message about making medicines more affordable, visit: Affordable Medicines Now.
