Health New Zealand has agreed to a 3.16% funding increase for community pharmacy services, worth $26.6 million in total.
Health Minister Simeon Brown announced the package, which includes $11.9 million annually to support expanded clinical services through pharmacies. The Extended Pharmacy Services fund will gain an extra $6.9 million, and pharmacy service fees will rise by 3.16%.
Pharmacists will provide funded medicines and treatment for additional common conditions in the community under the expanded clinical services. The new services cover pain and fever management, oral rehydration, scabies, head lice and conjunctivitis.
Pharmacy immunisation services will receive the same 3.16% increase, bringing the rate in line with general practice. Health New Zealand had previously allocated $5 million per year to expand pharmacy clinical services.