Another massive month

Kia ora. It has been another massive month for pharmacy.

Between the removal of the prescription fee and the start of the minor-ailments scheme, we are certainly spoilt for choice with important pharmacy stories.

As I commented to one of my contacts recently, there are currently about five things going on in the pharmacy world that would be our lead story in ordinary times.

The latest bombshell event, which you can read about on page four, is the High Court ruling partially favouring the Independent Community Pharmacy Group (ICPG) on pharmacy ownership.

The ruling will likely have massive implications for any corporate pharmacy ownership structure that does not allow the pharmacist-owner of the business full control.

I predict there will likely be much more to come in this space soon, including potentially more legal action. So, stay tuned.

We have also looked at the National Party’s promise to repeal Labour’s axing of the $5 prescription fee and make medicines free for SuperGold Card holders, Community Services Card holders and beneficiaries only.

The announcement was a terrible disappointment to many pharmacists, especially after they had been asking for so long to have the fee removed. There is a genuine possibility National’s policy will become a reality after the October election as support for the left and right blocs is currently neck and neck, according to polls.

You can read about National Party health spokesperson Shane Reti’s justifications for this action on page five – and some reactions to the proposal.

Also in the magazine is a profile of University of Otago researcher Pauline Norris. Professor Norris’ research into free medicines influenced the Government to remove the prescription fee and is cited as evidence for its removal in Budget 2023.

And then, there is coverage from the recent Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand and Natural Health Products New Zealand conferences.

Enjoy your month.