Pharmaceutical Schedule consultation a chance for pharmacists to have their say

While the Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) welcomes the proposal on changes to the Pharmaceutical Schedule being sent to all community pharmacists for their feedback, the proposal has not been endorsed by the organisation.

The Guild worked closely with the District Health Boards and PHARMAC on the proposal, committing significant policy and economic resources to the project, as well as the time and expertise of Board members. The proposal, which aims to improve pharmacy services for high needs patients, is an opportunity for all community pharmacists to make a contribution to the care of the patients.

“It is important that when members provide feedback, they think about the implications of the proposed changes on their patients, their business and the workflow of their pharmacies,” says Annabel Young, Guild Chief Executive. “We are especially interested in examples of services our members already provide that are not covered by the Pharmacy Services Agreement and are not funded by the Government. We would also like to know what triggers these services and, if they were funded, what the criteria should be.”

The intent of the proposal is to improve pharmacy services for high needs patients so they become as self-managing as possible. “This proposal is about reconfiguring the current spending. It is important to us that a commitment has been made to reinvest money saved under these proposals into existing services.”

All community pharmacists have been sent the consultation proposal and a feedback form. The deadline for comment is Friday 18 March.

ENDS

Media Contact: Annabel Young - 027 440 9160 or 04 802 8201
Ian Johnson – 021 621 592

For additional information: Julia Paterson-Fourie – 04 802 8211

Notes:
• The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (Inc) is a national membership organisation representing community pharmacy owners. We provide leadership on all issues affecting the sector and we advocate for the business interests of community pharmacy.
• For additional information on the Guild and community pharmacy please go to www.pgnz.org.nz