Contraception pill should be added to Scottish pharmacy prescription list

The pill should be added to the list of products which can be prescribed in pharmacies during the Covid-19 crisis, a Scots think tank has said.

A think-tank is pushing for the pill to be added to the list of medication pharmacies can prescribe

The government has already extended the minor ailment service (MAS) to everyone. Previously the system was restricted to certain groups of people.

Reform Scotland has now suggested in a new briefing that the birth control pill should be added to the list which makes products available on prescription direct from pharmacists and includes treatments for acne, diarrhoea and head lice.

The Scottish Government has encouraged couples to think carefully about trying for a child during the pandemic and also pointed out that half of all pregnancies are unplanned.

Reform Scotland’s Alison Payne said: “This relatively simple move can both reduce pressure on primary care, and also reduce the likelihood of an increase in unplanned pregnancy, a risk which has been highlighted by the Scottish Government.”

Although many pharmacies already provide the pill without a GP prescription, it must be paid for.