February 19th, 2025Free virtual women’s health clinic to launch this year
A free virtual women’s health clinic providing access to services like endometriosis and pelvic pain care, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health care and abortion, will be launched this year.
The Victorian state government in recent days announced that it is delivering the free virtual clinic, scheduled to launch before the middle of year, in partnership with community health organisation EACH (International Association for Communication in Healthcare).
Led by specialist nurses, it will reduce barriers to care, including for women in regional and remote Victoria where access to services like contraception and abortion may be difficult due to
distance from major towns.
Barriers and delays in accessing care can have detrimental impacts on a patient’s health, their quality of life and the ability to participate in school and employment.
Available via telehealth or online, the new virtual clinic will deliver an initial health assessment and some
treatment, while patients can also be connected with a GP or get referred to a relevant health practitioner as close to home as possible.
In addition to treating immediate health needs, referrals can also be made to various mental health and wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs, and family violence community support services.
Member for Macedon and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas: “We are transforming the way women’s health is treated in Victoria – this new virtual clinic will make a huge difference for women providing them with free, and easily accessible healthcare no matter their background or location.”
“We know the gender health gap is real, especially for women living in regional or remote areas of Victoria – that is why we’re establishing this virtual women’s clinic to help break down the barriers to care.
“Abortion care is healthcare, and while we have already made abortion more accessible, we know there is more to do – because Victorian women deserve to have a choice, no matter where they live.”
