Extended Pharmacy Services

Health New Zealand and Pharmac have made the decision to extend pharmacy services. This decision means community pharmacies will be able to provide a wider range of funded clinical services for common conditions that may have otherwise required a GP visit, including: 

• scabies treatment for children/families 

• oral rehydration treatment for children 

• headlice treatment for children/families  

• pain and fever management for children

• conjunctivitis treatment for children

• treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infection 

• access to emergency contraception.  

  
  

Changes will be made to the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 2 June 2026 to support this, allowing Direct Provision of funded medicines by Pharmacists in accordance with their pharmacy agreement. From 2 June 2026 Health New Zealand will fund consultations provided by community pharmacies for eligible people. Health New Zealand will continue to work with pharmacists to implement resources to support this proposal. Pharmac and Health New Zealand would like to thank the individuals and groups who responded to the public consultation on this proposal, the feedback received has informed this decision and will be considered as part of any future developments of the service.

Ngā mihi nui,

Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | P: +0800 660 050| www.pharmac.govt.nz