The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom has decided to offer it free of charge at al..

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The National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom has decided to offer it free of charge at all pharmacies nationwide to increase access to post-clinical contraceptives (emergency contraceptives).

Major British media, including the Guardian, reported on the 29th (local time) that “people who need post contraceptives no longer need to see a specialist or go to the obstetrics and gynecology clinic.” Previously, you had to visit a hospital to receive free post-clinical contraception, and you had to pay up to 30 pounds (about 57,000 won) if you bought it directly from a pharmacy without a prescription.

Post-mortem contraceptives are medications taken to prevent pregnancy after having sex without contraception. “It’s not suitable for everyone, and it should be taken within three days of the relationship,” the NHS said. “The sooner you take it, the better the effect.”

NHS Women’s Health Officer called the move “one of the biggest changes in sexual health services since the 1960s” and “a breakthrough change that makes reproductive health care easier for women.”

“Now, instead of going to a hospital and explaining their situation and needs, women can stop by a local pharmacy and get free oral emergency contraceptives without an appointment,” he continued. “This service is another example of the NHS already implementing a 10-year health insurance plan to transfer health care to the heart of the community, considering that four out of five live 20 minutes away from the pharmacy.”

Henry Gregg, president of the National Pharmacy Association, which represents about 6,000 independent pharmacies in the UK, also said, “We have long called for a national consignment of emergency contraceptives,” adding, “It is good news for both patients and pharmacies that this starts today.”

Meanwhile, the NHS is the UK’s state-run health service agency and plays a key role in the public health system that provides free medical care to the public. The UK’s healthcare system is divided into a private hospital that is not covered by public insurance and a free healthcare system run by the NHS.