Joint proposal from Pharmac and Health New Zealand to expand pharmacy services

Health New Zealand and Pharmac are proposing to expand the range of funded medicines community pharmacies can provide directly to people in their communities including:

•    treatment for scabies
•    oral rehydration for children
•    pain and fever management for children
•    treatment of headlice
•    treatment for conjunctivitis for children
•    treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infections
•    the emergency contraceptive pill

To support this change, Health New Zealand would fund consultations provided by community pharmacies for eligible people, and Pharmac would amend the Pharmaceutical Schedule to allow Direct Provision by Pharmacists in accordance with their pharmacy agreement.