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Briefing to the incoming Ministers: Health

This briefing to the incoming Government ministers in December 2023 urged the incoming Ministers to consult with the independent pharmacy sector before making any changes to primary healthcare.You can download the full briefing below....

Making the case for Universal Access to Fees-Free Prescriptions

Here is the link to the report: Better healthcare for all:  Community pharmacy staff on the effects of universal fees-free prescriptions. Read the contributions from pharmacists and pharmacy staff as they offer fresh angles and give new evidence on the benefits of universal fees-free prescriptions for all patients. As well as far better access to vital medicines for those financially struggling, benefits for all patients include: better preventative care & early interventions, and ...

Community Pharmacy Election Pledges

We're here to keep you informed about something crucial - the upcoming election and its potential impact on community pharmacy. We've got the inside scoop on where the major political parties stand when it comes to essential pharmacy issues....

Our latest Position Paper on Pharmacy Ownership

Pharmacy healthcare run by health professionals without interference from corporate business interests is the best way to support equitable and safe access to medicines and quality pharmacy services for all New Zealanders now and into the future....

Just what the doctor ordered

Here's a great article by Kris Faafoi - former Labour Party MP for Mana from Stuff on May 24th. A very balanced view of how important this move will be for health equity and access....

Our Submission on Pharmacy Ownership

Here is our submission to the Health Select Committee on Pharmacy Ownership.Strengthening pharmacist ownership requirements is the best option to ensure equitable access of all New Zealanders to medicines and health care services; and protects quality control of vital health delivery and the professional independence of pharmacists from non-pharmacist interference and pressure....

Big gain from small change

Our media release and subsequent coverage has shown that our voice for change has been heard.This editorial in Stuff newspapers has picked up on the fact that our position paper and lobbying has been instrumental in achieving this significant and positive change for NZ Independent Pharmacy....

Our Position on Prescription Fees for New Zealanders

The patient co-payment fee on prescriptions is harming physical and mental health and wellbeing, by increasing health crises, pain, shame, and unnecessary hospitalisations around the country. Removing this government-imposed healthcare barrier for everyone would increase access to basic medicines, producing immediate positive effects for community health, and reducing the burden on our over-extended healthcare system....

December update from BusinessDesk

Here's another viewpoint in the media - read here...

November 2022 update from BusinessDesk

Here's the article from 21st November...

Latest Progress Update - from Pharmacy Today

The number of pharmacists joining forces against two DHBs has grown to 80, says Clive Cannons, who heads the New Zealand Independent Community Pharmacy Group.The group decided to seek a judicial review of decisions made by the Hutt Valley and Tairāwhiti DHBs after the Hutt Valley DHB in early 2021 granted Countdown a contract to open an in-store pharmacy in Wainuiomata. As a Countdown pharmacy, it would absorb the prescription copayment.The Hutt Valley DHB panel that considered the initial...

The ICPG in Pharmacy Today

Here's an article from February 1st in Pharmacy Today magazine. Pharmacy owners take DHBs to court over policy for granting contracts | Pharmacy Today...