Proposal to expand pharmacy services

Pharmac and Health New Zealand are seeking feedback on a proposal to expand pharmacy services. This proposal would allow community pharmacies 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.  

To support this change, Health New Zealand would fund consultations provided by community pharmacies for eligible people, and Pharmac would amend the Pharmaceutical Schedule to allow Direct Provision by Pharmacists in accordance with their pharmacy agreement. 

Health New Zealand would work with pharmacists to implement resources to support this proposal.

Consultation closes at 5pm, Thursday 30 April, 2026 and feedback can be submitted via our online form. 

Ngā mihi

Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington

P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz