REFORM SCOTLAND WELCOMES POLITICAL MOMENTUM BEHIND PILL PRESCRIBING

Think tank called last month for flexible access to contraception during Coronavirus 

Reform Scotland, the independent non-party think tank, has today welcomed a Scottish Greens amendment to this week’s emergency Coronavirus legislation that would add the birth control pill to the list of products that can be prescribed in pharmacies under the Minor Ailment Service during the crisis.

The Government has already extended the Minor Ailment Service (MAS) to everyone – a move welcomed by Reform Scotland. Previously the system was restricted to certain groups of people.  

This think tank has called for the birth control pill to be on the list of products available on prescription directly from pharmacists – which include treatments for acne, diarrhoea and head lice – and this has received widespread political backing (see notes to editors).

Although many pharmacies already provide the pill without a GP prescription, it must be paid for. Reform Scotland believes that making the pill easier to access for free, as part of MAS, would be an important step.

Commenting, Reform Scotland’s Research Director Alison Payne said:

“We welcome Alison Johnstone’s amendment, which would give effect to the suggestion we made last month. 

“With a continuing focus on easing the pressure on primary care and the NHS in general during the Coronavirus pandemic, this is a relatively straightforward step.

“It has received backing from all opposition parties, and with today’s Green amendment we hope to see it supported universally.”

ENDS