Victorian women can now access a range of medical services for free, from home
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05.02.2025

Victorian women can now access a range of medical services for free, from home

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Words by Staff Writer

Victorian women will soon have access to a free virtual health clinic offering specialist care for conditions including endometriosis, menopause and reproductive health.

The new telehealth service, announced today by Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, will be operated in partnership with community health organisation EACH and staffed by specialist nurses providing expert medical advice, treatment options and referral pathways.

The virtual clinic aims to break down barriers for regional and remote communities where services like contraception and abortion care are often difficult to access due to geographical distance from major centres.

Mobile Women’s Health Clinic

Services available:

  • Endometriosis and pelvic pain care
  • Menstrual health support
  • Cervical screening
  • Menopause care
  • Breast health care
  • Abortion services
  • Sexual and reproductive health advice
  • Clinical services
  • Medical abortion (MTOP) referrals
  • Contraception access
  • Mental health support referrals
  • Family violence community service referrals
  • Alcohol and drug support referrals

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.

The initiative forms part of the Victorian Government’s $153 million women’s health package, which includes the newly launched Mobile Women’s Health Clinic van operated by BreastScreen Victoria. The mobile service provides free healthcare access across rural and regional Victoria, with dedicated support for First Nations women.

Both virtual and mobile clinics will offer comprehensive women’s health services including sexual and reproductive health advice, clinical services, medical abortion referrals, contraception access, and specialist referrals. The virtual platform will provide initial health assessments and connect patients with local GPs and practitioners wherever possible.

Beyond immediate health needs, the service will facilitate referrals to mental health, wellbeing, alcohol and other drugs support, and family violence community services.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said: “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 breakdown the barriers to care.”

She added: “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.”

The virtual clinic is expected to launch before mid-2025, with experienced nurses working to build connections between women, their communities and local health services.