Community pharmacists are calling for a pilot scheme which subsidises minor ailment medication to be made permanent, saying without it, hospitals and GP surgeries will face more pressure.
The scheme was announced in May as part of 24 initiatives the government hoped would reduce pressure on the health system over winter.
The programme pays some pharmacies to consult on a range of minor ailments during winter, and supply funded medication, in a bid to take pressure off GP clinics and A&Es.
That funding is due to end later this month, and a nationwide group of community pharmacists called Prescription Access Initiative, are asking for it to be continued.
Vicky Chan is a spokesperson for the group and owner of two pharmacies in Pakuranga. Kathryn also talks with President of the Royal New Zealand College of GPs, Dr Samantha Murton.
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