Thousands of women in the Northern Territory are already saving hundreds of dollars and gaining better access to essential care, thanks to the Australian Government’s Women’s Health Package.
New figures released last week during Women’s Health Week show the impact of recent changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) and these benefits are set to be even greater next year with the rollout of our cheaper medicines plan, including $25 scripts for non-concession card holders.
Between March and August this year, more than 5,700 prescriptions were dispensed to over 1,900 women in the NT for oral contraceptives, menopausal hormone therapies, and endometriosis treatments newly listed on the PBS.
Previously, NT women faced limited options and high out-of-pocket costs for essential medicines. Before the PBS listings of Yaz®, Yasmin®, and Slinda®, contraception could cost around $380 per year. Now, women are paying less than half that, and from next year it will be around $100 annually, or $25 per script.
Similarly, for menopausal hormone therapies like Estrogel®, Prometrium®, and Estrogel Pro®, costs have dropped from up to $670 a year to just $31.60 per script, or $7.70 for concessional patients, and these will be even more affordable next year with the introduction of cheaper medicines.
The Australian Government is continuing to strengthen Medicare for women. From 1 November 2025, further changes to the Medicare Benefits Schedule will come into effect, improving access to affordable IUDs and birth control implants.
The Australian Government are further commissioning eleven new Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinics across the country by the end of this year. All Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain clinics will also expand to provide specialist support for menopause and perimenopause.
The Women’s Health package is helping to remove the barriers to access, cost and availability, making it easier for women in the NT to get the care and support they need.
NT women are seeing real improvements, more choice, lower costs, and better care.
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister White:
“Women shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to get the care they need. Whether it’s managing contraception, navigating menopause or simply talking openly with a doctor, these changes are about making women’s health easier, more affordable and less stressful.
"Women in the Northern Territory are already seeing the benefits – cheaper medicines, better access to care, and more control over their health. This is exactly what the Women’s Health Package is all about.
“For too long, women’s health was treated as an afterthought. Essential treatments were left off the PBS, and women paid the price. We’ve listened, we’ve acted, and we’ll keep working to make sure every woman has access to the care they need.”
Quotes attributable to Minister McCarthy:
“The Albanese Labor Government is delivering better access and cost-of-living relief for women across the Territory when it comes to their health care.
“Women’s health is important, that’s why our government has updated contraceptives, menopause and endometriosis treatments on the PBS.
“We want it to be easier for women across the Territory to get the care they need.”
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Solomon (Darwin and Palmerston), Luke Gosling OAM:
“Women’s pain is real and recognising endometriosis and pelvic pain as serious conditions is part of Labor’s commitment to improving women’s health in the Northern Territory.
“The Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain Clinic at Northside Health has reduced delays and promotes early access to intervention, care and treatment
“The recognition of endometriosis and pelvic pain as serious conditions has been a long and hard-fought battle from local community advocates in the Northern Territory. I want to thank them for their tireless efforts.”
Quotes attributable to Dr Danielle Stewart
“In the two years that we have run a specialised clinic for endometriosis and pelvic pain, we have seen over 250 people from around the NT and provided 1500 consults.
“This has had a huge impact on people’s lives. People were struggling to access experts and now they have had excellent management from GPs, pelvic health physios, nurses and psychologists with up-to-date knowledge in this important area of women’s health.
“The recent PBS access to important endometriosis medication has improved their options enormously. NT women with these conditions are now much better off than 2 years ago. One of our patients told us:
“You have kept me alive, supported me and not given up on me. You've given me hope and a chance at making a happy successful healthy life for myself."