Pharmac decision to make HIV medicine access easier

From 1 March 2026 all HIV medicines will be able to be dispensed in three-month amounts, rather than monthly, making it easier for people to manage their treatment.

In October, we consulted on three changes to the way New Zealanders access HIV medicines. Thank you to all those who provided feedback.

In response to this feedback, we have delayed the proposed effective date from 1 December 2025 to 1 March 2026 to give everyone more time to adapt.

We also decided not to remove Special Authority criteria or enable access for HIV medicines on the Practitioner’s Supply Order (PSO) at this stage. An alternative proposal will be developed and consulted on in 2026.

You can read the decision and summary of feedback on our website

Ngā mihi,

Ben Graham | Therapeutic Group Manager

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