There's an expectation pharmacies will quickly take up expanded powers to treat patients for a range of common conditions.

Under Health NZ's $5 million plan, pharmacists will be able to prescribe medicines for pain, head lice, conjunctivitis, urinary tract infections and the emergency contraceptive pill from Tuesday.

Pharmaceutical Society of NZ President, Michael Hammond says all pharmacies can offer the service, but participation is optional.

"They do have the time, because they're having these conversations with patients every day. So what the real change here is there's funding wrapped around it - and access to some funded pharmaceuticals."

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There's an expectation pharmacies will quickly take up expanded powers to treat patients for a range of common conditions.
Under Health NZ's $5 million plan, pharmacists will be able to prescribe medicines for pain, head lice, conjunctivitis, urinary tract infections and the emergency contraceptive pill from Tuesday.
Pharmaceutical Society of NZ President, Michael Hammond says all pharmacies can offer the service, but participation is optional.
"They do have the time, because they're having these conversations with patients every day. So what the real change here is there's funding wrapped around it - and access to some funded pharmaceuticals."
LISTEN ABOVE

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The Sunday Session with Francesca Rudkin

Michael Hammond: Pharmaceutical Society NZ president on pharmacies receiving funding to provide extended health services

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2e6405b6-37ba-495e-9d8a-b45a01880c93/transcript