The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand said that removing the five-dollar prescription charge will improve New Zealanders’ health, and is welcoming the government’s removal of the prescription charge in the 2023 Budget, with effect from 1 July 2023.
Guild Chief Executive, Andrew Gaudin said that removing the prescription charge is an investment in New Zealanders’ health and the wider health system. He said it means more New Zealanders will get the medicines they need and help keep them out of the hospital, and there will be less pressure on the health system which will result in savings for taxpayers.
“This cost-of-living measure will make a huge difference to some in our community who cannot afford the $5 charge for each of their prescription medicines and must make difficult choices when they are sick,” said Gaudin.
“This is also a big day for community pharmacy. Every day our members help thousands of New Zealanders, and they know how beneficial this will be for them.”
Guild President, Des Bailey said that announcement was welcomed.
“We are delighted the government has removed the charge. We have been strongly advocating for this change for several years because we know what a difference this will make to the health of New Zealanders and the wider health system. We are pleased to see this hard work result in positive change.”
