Parents to Get Easier Access to Funded Treatment Through Local Pharmacies

Parents in Invercargill and across New Zealand will soon have easier and cheaper access to treatment for their children's common health conditions, with community pharmacists set to offer expanded services from June.

Health Minister Simeon Brown and Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced the proposal, which aims to address long GP waiting times by making better use of local pharmacies.

"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. These changes are about making better use of community pharmacies as a convenient, additional option for the treatment of straightforward conditions," Mr Brown says.

Under the proposed changes, participating pharmacists would provide funded medicines for children and families for pain and fever management, oral rehydration, and common conditions including scabies, head lice, and conjunctivitis. The service would also cover uncomplicated urinary tract infections and emergency contraception.

Currently, families must either pay full over-the-counter costs or visit a GP for subsidised treatment.

"Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals. Under the proposal, pharmacists will be able to assess patients, provide a consultation, and supply funded treatment where appropriate, similar to a GP visit," Mr Brown explained.

The changes would particularly benefit rural and remote communities where GP appointments can be difficult to secure. For Southland families, this could mean accessing treatment at local pharmacies without the wait or cost barriers of GP visits.

"This means treatment can be provided at a lower cost, rather than paying full over-the-counter prices, or without waiting for a GP appointment," Mr Brown said.

Health New Zealand has established a $5 million annual Extended Pharmacy Services Fund to support nationwide delivery of these services.

Mr Seymour highlighted the practical benefits for families across the country.

"It's important to Kiwis that they have fast access to the medicines they need close to home. Today's proposal is one more step this Government is taking to achieve that goal," Mr Seymour says.

"Often people living in rural and remote areas or communities with higher health needs find it difficult to get timely GP appointments. This is a common-sense approach that, if approved, will make life easier and more affordable for many families across the country."

The proposal builds on pharmacists' existing community role as accessible healthcare providers.

"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," Mr Brown said.