May 2021

Nearly $17.5 million of the $18 million fund that was allocated for “critical” community pharmacies last year is likely to go back to the Crown, because so far no home has been found for it within the sector

The opening of new Auckland premises for Whakarongorau Aotearoa (formerly Homecare Medical) last month, drew an unusual display of ministerial might which included the prime minister, three Cabinet ministers (including Andrew Little) and media darling Ashley Bloomfield (who obligingly posed for many selfies)

Mixed messages about pharmacy involvement in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine is frustrating Pharmaceutical Society president Professor Rhiannon Braund, who reports widespread confusion among pharmacists

Health minister Andrew Little's once-in-a-generation announcement on health has the pharmacy sector buzzing, with sector leaders optimistic it will bring much-needed change. The Pharmacy Today team reports

How often are pharmacies stepping up to devise innovative payment plans for patients who struggle to afford the copayment, and at what cost? Anna Lee investigates

If the Pharmacy Council cannot find a home for nearly half a million dollars in relief funding by the end of next month, it will be forced to return the money to the Ministry of Health

Papakura Marae Pharmacy is the place where everyone knows your name, writes Anna Lee  

The Pharmacy Council has launched its new recertification framework and the online platform to support it but not everyone is impressed

This month, the Ngā Kaitiaki o Te Puna Rongoā o Aotearoa – Māori Pharmacists’ Association will begin research into how Māori can receive equitable access to minor ailments medicines

Pharmacy technicians are asking for an easier pathway to qualify as pharmacists, and the head of the Auckland School of Pharmacy believes the idea is worth considering