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"Levelling the playing field": Govt proposal expands pharmacies' abilities

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 16 Apr 2026, 8:13am
(Photo / 123RF)
(Photo / 123RF)

"Levelling the playing field": Govt proposal expands pharmacies' abilities

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Thu, 16 Apr 2026, 8:13am

Help for struggling pharmacies could be on the way. 

The Government's proposing letting pharmacists prescribe funded medicines for conditions like scabies and conjunctivitis, so people no longer have to see a GP or pay the full pharmacy price. 

It would also cover medication for UTIs and the emergency contraceptive pill. 

Associate Health Minister David Seymour told Mike Hosking smaller, local pharmacies are really battling. 

He says this would be a way to use them while taking pressure off emergency departments and GPs. 

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