Menopause care is more than a repeat prescription: RACGP

Victorian women need better access to ongoing menopause care, not just another way to obtain medication, the Royal Australian College of GPs (RACGP) says. 

The call follows the Victorian Government's expansion of Chemist Care Now, allowing eligible women to obtain a one-month resupply of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) from participating pharmacies. 

Ahead of the Victorian election, the RACGP is calling on the next government to strengthen access to affordable general practice care and pause any further expansion of Chemist Care Now until a comprehensive, independent review has examined its impact on patient safety, health outcomes and continuity of care. 

RACGP Victoria Chair Dr Anita Muñoz said improving access to medicines was important, but managing menopause involves much more than issuing prescriptions. 

“Women should be able to continue their treatment if they run out of medication and can't get an appointment with their GP straight away,” she said. 

“Existing emergency supply arrangements already help patients in these situations. Any additional pathway should offer a clear benefit and support their ongoing care. 

“Menopause affects women in different ways. GPs help patients manage their symptoms, review treatment, identify other health concerns and make decisions about their long-term wellbeing. 

“A repeat prescription might be one part of that care, but it cannot replace the value of an ongoing relationship with a GP who understands your medical history.” 

Under the new arrangements, eligible women must have seen their GP within the past 12 months and have been using the same MHT for at least six months. 

Dr Muñoz said the RACGP supported GPs and pharmacists working together to improve patient care, but warned that additional prescribing pathways could fragment care if they were not properly integrated. 

“Pharmacists play an important role in helping patients manage their medicines. We need to make sure any care they provide is connected to the patient's usual GP, so important health information isn't missed,” she said. 

“More than 100,000 services have been delivered through Chemist Care Now, but we also need evidence of what those services have achieved for patients. 

“Are people getting the right care sooner? Are they saving money? Are they receiving the follow-up they need? 

“Patients should also understand that medicines supplied through Chemist Care Now are not PBS-subsidised, so they may cost more than medicines supplied through a GP prescription. 

“Before expanding the program further, the Government should independently evaluate its impact on patient outcomes, affordability and continuity of care.” 

Dr Muñoz said there were more effective ways for the Victorian Government to support affordable, ongoing healthcare. 

“If the Government wants to make healthcare more accessible, it should start by removing the payroll tax burden on GP billing,” she said. 

“Federal investment is helping more Australians access bulk-billed GP care. Victoria should be building on that progress, not putting additional financial pressure on the practices patients rely on. 

“Supporting general practice means more Victorians can access affordable care from a GP who knows them and their health history.”