Discounters not threatened by prescription charge removal

REPRESENTATIVES FROM two of the major discount pharmacy chains claim they aren’t concerned prescription fees have been removed.

The removal of the $5 charge was the big-ticket health announcement made on 18 May in Budget 2023. It came into force on 1 July.

Bargain Chemist director Peter Shenoda says the pharmacy chain has always absorbed the prescription fee, so its removal will not affect its business model.

In addition, not having to absorb the fee will free up money to offer new products and services, says Mr Shenoda in an emailed response to questions.

Bargain Chemist is committed to providing affordable healthcare to all New Zealanders. We are pleased to see the Government’s announcement of free prescriptions nationwide,” he says.

Mr Shenoda is confident customers will continue to choose Bargain Chemist for their healthcare needs as the company expands its footprint nationwide. To date, the chain has 19 stores.

“We believe that everyone should have access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income. We are confident that our customers will continue to choose Bargain Chemist, a 100 per cent Kiwi-owned pharmacy chain, for our free consultations, vaccinations and blood pressure checks, as well as a wide range of over-the-counter medications and health products,” Mr Shenoda says.

Countdown Pharmacy also states it will not be affected by the change, and customers will not notice any difference as the company already does not charge the $5 fee.

“We know our customers value the convenience of having pharmacies in our stores, and we look forward to continuing to offer a great experience to our loyal customers across the country,” an emailed statement from a Countdown spokesperson says.

The third major discount chain, Chemist Warehouse, did not respond to a request for comment.

*Additional reporting: Paulette Crowley