Women across Victoria will now have improved access to rapid pain relief services after the Victorian Government expanded the availability of the “Green Whistle” across every Women’s Health Hub operating throughout the state. The initiative is aimed at improving comfort and care for women undergoing painful or distressing medical procedures.
The Green Whistle, medically known as Penthrox, is a handheld pain-relief inhaler containing methoxyflurane and is widely used across Australia in emergency care settings. Patients inhale the medication themselves, allowing quick relief from short-term pain while remaining awake and responsive during treatment.
Victorian health officials say the expanded rollout will support women receiving procedures such as IUD insertions, biopsies, pelvic health treatments and other interventions that can often involve significant discomfort. The move follows increasing calls from women’s health advocates for stronger pain management support during routine medical care.
The medication will now be available across all 20 Victorian Women’s Health Hubs, which provide specialised community healthcare services focused on women’s physical, reproductive and mental wellbeing. These hubs also offer support in areas including menopause care, chronic pain, sexual health and family violence assistance.
Imagine having a procedure and being told you would only have some cramping manageable with paracetamol – only to suffer severe pain.
— Jacinta Allan (@JacintaAllanMP) May 18, 2026
It's a near universal experience shared by Victorian women during IUD procedures.
Pain dismissed. Symptoms ignored. Told to just deal with it.… pic.twitter.com/HdilSzZiAl
Victorian Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas said the expanded access reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring women receive respectful, compassionate and accessible healthcare. She noted that women’s pain and medical concerns have too often been overlooked within healthcare systems.
Medical professionals have welcomed the initiative, describing the Green Whistle as a safe and effective option for short-term pain management that can reduce anxiety and improve patient experiences during uncomfortable procedures. Unlike full sedation, the inhaler allows patients to stay conscious and communicate with healthcare staff throughout treatment.
The rollout is also being viewed as part of a broader shift towards improving women’s healthcare standards across Australia. Advocates say initiatives focusing on pain recognition, dignity and patient-centred treatment are helping reshape conversations around women’s experiences within the medical system.
Health authorities hope the expanded service will encourage more women to seek medical care without fear of unmanaged pain or distress. The Victorian Government says the initiative represents another step towards building more accessible and supportive healthcare services for women across the state.
