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.
Pharmacists would be able to assess patients, provide consultation, and supply funded treatment where appropriate – similar to a GP visit.
To support the changes, Pharmac will update the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
Health New Zealand and Pharmac said they were launching consultation on the changes today.
"We know many New Zealanders are facing long wait times to see a GP, and this can be especially frustrating for parents trying to get timely care for their children," Health Minister Simeon Brown said.
"These changes are about making better use of community pharmacies as a convenient, additional option for the treatment of straightforward conditions.”
The proposal also covered treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections and emergency contraception.
Brown said the proposal would mean treatment could be provided at a lower cost, without waiting for a GP.
“It will make it easier for children and families to get timely care for simple conditions, particularly when a GP appointment isn’t immediately available, while also supporting more consistent access to care across the country.
“In many communities, pharmacies are among the most accessible health services. Expanding their role will improve local availability of funded treatment and care for these conditions.”
He said it would also recognise and build on the role pharmacists played in communities.
“Pharmacists are trusted, accessible health providers and are often the first place people go for advice. Enabling them to deliver more services strengthens access to care and helps ensure Kiwis receive the right care at the right time, close to home.”
Health New Zealand has established a $5 million-per-year Extended Pharmacy Services Fund to ensure the services are available nationwide.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour called the reform "common sense" and would make life easier and "more affordable" for many families.
“Often people living in rural and remote areas or communities with higher health needs find it difficult to get timely GP appointments."
SHARE ME