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Women can now get the morning-after pill for free in almost 10,000 community pharmacies England,
The move – hailed by officials as the biggest overhaul of sexual health services since the 1960s – could benefit thousands of women, NHS England Estimate.
Whereas emergency contraception It is free from most GPs and sexual health clinics, it previously cost up to £30 to buy from pharmacies.
From Wednesday, the pill will be available for free in community pharmacies without an appointment from a family doctor or clinic.
Officials predict it will be a “game-changer” in making care more accessible.
Dr. Sue Mann, National Clinical Director at Women’s Health NHS EnglandSaid: “This is one of the biggest changes to sexual health services since the 1960s and a game changer in making reproductive health care more easily accessible to women.
“Instead of having to search for women’s services or try to explain their needs, from today women can simply go to their local pharmacy and get the oral emergency contraceptive pill for free without an appointment.
“Community pharmacists and their teams are trusted professionals who women will be able to speak to confidentially and have any concerns addressed.
“With four in five people living within a 20-minute walk of a pharmacy, this service is another example of how NHS “Our 10-year health plan commitment to move care into the heart of communities is already being fulfilled.”
The move was announced in March as part of the government’s plan to invest in community pharmacies.
Earlier this year, pharmacies began offering repeat supplies along with consultations for the contraceptive pill.
Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Community Pharmacy EnglandSaid: “To provide emergency contraception This is a great step to increase access and convenience for patients across the country through community pharmacies.
“Permitting regular supply of oral contraception It has been well received by pharmacies, so now work on it includes emergency contraception A natural step.
“Many pharmacies have been involved in similar local schemes for years, so we are delighted to see this important new service continue to offer women nationally.”
Responding to news of the rollout, Henry Greig, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “We have long called for emergency contraception to be rolled out nationally, so it is great news for patients and pharmacies alike that it is launching today.
“For too long, access to free emergency contraception has been a postcode lottery for patients, with local arrangements only existing in some parts of the country.
“The pharmacy is a great place for patients to get urgent care delivered to their doorstep and we would never want people to miss out on such important treatment.
“It is really important that pharmacies, which are under immense pressure and are closing in record numbers, are continuously funded so they can continue to provide vital services to patients like these.”
The introduction of free emergency contraception is part of a wider package of support for community pharmacies, NHS England Said.
Also, from today, people who have been prescribed a new antidepressant will be able to get additional advice about the medicine.
A campaign running until January 2026 will also aim to highlight what community pharmacy has to offer patients.