Funding boost for community pharmacies

Community pharmacies will receive a funding boost to help more New Zealanders access timely healthcare closer to home, Health Minister Simeon Brown says. 

“Community pharmacies are often the front door to New Zealand’s health system. They provide trusted advice, dispense medicines, deliver vaccinations, and help people get the care they need in their local communities,” Mr Brown says. 

“We are focused on making it easier for people to access care earlier and strengthening community pharmacy services is a key part of that.” 

Health New Zealand has agreed to a 3.16 per cent funding uplift for community pharmacy services, worth $26.6 million, alongside further investment to support an expanded range of clinical services delivered through local pharmacies. 

The agreement includes: 

a 3.16 per cent increase to pharmacy service fees 
$11.9 million annual funding to support expanded clinical services, which is a $6.9 million increase to the Extended Pharmacy Services fund 
a 3.16 per cent increase for pharmacy immunisation services, ensuring pharmacies continue to be funded at the same rate as general practice 
changes to funding arrangements to better support the delivery of core pharmacy services 

“Pharmacists and pharmacy staff play a vital role in delivering healthcare in communities across New Zealand. They are often the most accessible health professionals in a community, helping people get advice, treatment, vaccinations, and medicines when they need them. 

“This funding boost will help pharmacies continue providing the services communities rely on every day, while supporting them to meet growing demand and deliver more healthcare services locally. 

“It also builds on the Government’s wider work to expand the role pharmacies play in the health system. Health New Zealand had previously committed $5 million a year to expand pharmacy clinical services. The increase to $11.9 million annually will enable pharmacists to provide funded medicines and treatment for more common conditions in the community. 

“That means people can access treatment sooner for everyday health concerns including pain and fever management, oral rehydration, and conditions such as scabies, head lice and conjunctivitis.  

“This access will reduce pressure on other parts of the health system 

“This is all part of the Government’s plan to fix the basics and build the future of our healthcare system. We are backing the pharmacy workforce, expanding access to community-based services, and making it easier for New Zealanders to get the care they need, close to home.” ...