The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) hosted the 12th meeting of the Women's Health Products Working Group (WHPWG) on 31 March 2026.
The WHPWG is comprised of representatives from consumer groups, medical peak bodies, clinicians, industry, academia, and senior officials from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.
The following topics were presented:
TGA's consultation process regarding proposed changes to the regulation of exempt medical devices and exempt Other Therapeutic Goods.
A presentation was provided on a TGA initiated preliminary discovery project examining automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) and gender disparities in cardiac arrest response. The project aimed to inform potential future regulatory and educational opportunities relating to the use of AEDs in women.
Chronic UTIs Australia presented concerns relating to the diagnosis, treatment, and current research surrounding chronic urinary tract infections, highlighting emerging issues in this area and focusing on options to improve awareness of diagnosis and treatment of chronic UTIs among both consumers and health professionals.
Scarlet Alliance (Australian Sex Workers Association) presented on concerns associated with the current access framework and regulation of menstrual sponges. Discussion centred on user expectations, including opportunities for clearer product standards, and improved oversight.
The next WHPWG meeting is scheduled to be held on 16 July 2026.
