NPA welcomes free contraception ruling in Wales

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has welcomed a government decision to offer free emergency contraception services from pharmacies in Wales.

Steve Simmonds, NPA representation manager in Wales, stated that the decision – which will also involve the dispensing of free sexual health advice by pharmacists – will help to reach groups that are unable to access such facilities elsewhere.

The industry body noted that similar services are also provided for free in other parts of the country, such as Scotland, though some long-established schemes have seen declining use in recent times.

Mr Simmonds stated that the NPA would now like to see the same measure introduced across the entire UK.

"The decision in Wales is a clear endorsement of the expertise and unique accessibility of community pharmacy," he added.

This comes after the organisation reacted positively to news last week that Scotland has joined Wales and Northern Ireland in scrapping prescription charges, adding that it believes England should follow suit.