Parents will be able to get funded children's medication for a range of conditions directly from the pharmacy – without a GP visit – under a new proposal.
Health New Zealand's proposal would mean pharmacists could provide funded medication to children and their families for pain and fever management, oral rehydration, and common conditions such as scabies, head lice, and conjunctivitis.
Health Minister Simeon Brown said the change would make a big financial difference for families.
"Just to give you an example, if you've got three children you could pay up to $100 over the counter or to purchase head lice, shampoos from a pharmacy.
"If you were to come and see a community pharmacist the prescription cost would be free if you've got a community services card or $5"
Pharmacists would be able to assess patients, provide consultation, and supply funded treatment where appropriate – similar to a GP visit.
It is not only about making it more affordable but taking pressure off hospitals and general practitioners.
Unichem Pakuranga co-owner Vicky Chan said rural patients would notice a big difference.
"Sometimes the GP or doctor surgeries, books are closed already, they can't really get into enrolment."
It follows an unexpected move from Green Cross Health which operates under the Unichem and Life pharmacy brands on Tuesday confirmed it is having conversations about a potential transaction.
According to Health NZ at least 20 community pharmacies have closed in the last three years.
That is too many according to Associate Minister of Health David Seymour. "That's a huge loss for communities up and down this country, this gives more opportunity for pharmacists to use their skills."
Chan said pharmacists were already diagnosing patients on a daily basis but the change would lead to better outcomes for patients, whose care is the top priority of her pharmacy.
The proposal would allow pharmacists to provide some funded medication without a prior GP visit. (Source: 1News)
Although she admitted it has been hard to keep up with big box retailers. "We really want to give back, but how do we keep it viable?"
To support the changes, Pharmac will update the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Health New Zealand and Pharmac said they were launching consultation on the changes today and a $5 million dollar fund has been set up to roll them out by June 1.
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