Health Funds

The eligibility criteria for the $18 million package allocated to pharmacy in June has finally been revealed, but the sector has been left scratching its head as to who will actually receive any money given the stringent criteria

The country’s 20 DHBs are urging community pharmacies in serious financial difficulty due to the impact of COVID-19 to see if they are eligible for a portion of an $18 million funding package

Details about who will benefit from the $18 million fund for pharmacy announced last month are slow to emerge, leaving some wondering if it caught health authorities by surprise

The Government has revealed $18 million in funding will go to 365 "critical" community pharmacies as part of a $92.6 million package, but details - such as what constitutes a "critical" community pharmacy and how the financial support will be allocated- remain unclear

Under the new pharmacy contract, the Integrated Community Pharmacy Services Agreement, $4.1 million has been allocated for local commissioning of services.That’s all those added extras that pharmacists are encouraged to take up. 

Under the new pharmacy contract, the Integrated Community Pharmacy Services Agreement, $4.1 million has been allocated for local commissioning of services.That’s all those added extras that pharmacists are encouraged to take up. 

The Pharmacy Council has announced it is going ahead with plans to increase the Annual Practising Certificate fee, but it is postponing a decision about raising the written examination fee increase