PAI Prescription Access Initiative

Two of our founding members and strong advocates for Pharmacy and patients - Vicky Chan and Lanny Wong - spoke with Stuff about the recent government change to bring back prescription fees.

“Chan and Wong, who both work with the Prescription Access Initiative, worried that more people could miss out on medicines, and there may be more hospitalisations as a result”

If you watch the video, Lanny and Vicky explain our concerns about the re-introduction of the $5 per item fee - and why everyone is worse off under this new policy.

The $5 prescription fee is back, here’s what to know From Monday, prescribed medicines will again have the charge - here’s everything you need to know.

Prescription Access Initiative is deeply saddened by the government's announcement to reinstate prescription fees for most patients starting from 1st of July. This cruel and incomprehensible policy will negatively impact all New Zealanders and our communities, regardless of their ability to afford vital medicines.

This policy will affect every individual in our society, creating a barrier to accessing essential healthcare. It is equivalent to removing around 128 full-time pharmacists from our communities with one stroke of the pen. Primary healthcare is already stretched thin, and this move is disastrous. It pulls pharmacists—our health experts—away from patients to deal with prescription tax red tape, resulting in fewer primary health services and less preventative care for everyone.

This policy will cost lives and health, putting more people in avoidable pain and distress. The research is clear: it will lead to more preventable visits to our overburdened hospitals. People are likely to die due to the stress this policy places on the healthcare system, including those who can afford vital medicines.

Today is a sad day when the National-led government introduces a tax on sick people, worsening the cost of living crisis. This decision exacerbates the financial pressures already faced by many households. It is inexplicable and incomprehensible, as fees-free prescriptions are one of the most popular policies ever, including among government supporters. Nobody wants a tax on sick people. We are shocked that the government would reinstate such an unpopular and harmful policy.

We are particularly concerned about people with high health needs, those with lived experience of mental distress, and individuals in rural areas. Many of these groups are likely to miss out on vital medicines. We are also thinking of young people, especially given the current mental health crisis. None of us want them to experience the removal of care and support.

We call on the government to reconsider this decision and explore alternative solutions that do not compromise access to essential medications. Our mission at the Prescription Access Initiative is to ensure no one has to go without essential medicines if they are unable to pay a government tax. We urge the government to prioritise the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.
https://www.prescriptionaccessinitiative.org/_files/ugd/153297_ca990c76becc4af0952ee843dbf267a9.pdf
https://www.prescriptionaccessinitiative.org/_files/ugd/153297_398ee31c96db43f1802183fcf87fb3d6.pdf

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350279962/bringing-back-5-prescription-fee-could-have-detrimental-health-impacts-study

https://bmchealthservres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12913-022-09011-0

https://thespinoff.co.nz/politics/09-02-2023/when-5-at-the-pharmacy-costs-us-all-2-65-billion

* Breaking News * - we commissioned a poll and:

86% of New Zealanders support !

We are asking the Government to keep universal free prescriptions - it's an incredibly popular policy and NZ has spoken 📢

Here is the link to PAI's latest report: "Better healthcare for all: Community pharmacy staff on the effects of universal fees-free prescriptions".

The report offers fresh angles and gives new evidence on the benefits of universal fees-free prescriptions for all patients – as well as outlining grave concerns about “disastrous: potential fees targeting.

Universal fees-free prescriptions not only offer better access to vital medicines for those financially struggling, but also benefits for all patients, such as better preventative care/early interventions, and better education/ longer consultations.

Two-thirds of community pharmacies (67%) have expanded their health service offerings as the reduction of fees-related admin and explanation is on average 10.2 hours a week per community pharmacy.

Universal fees-free prescriptions also enables better continuity of care; and elimination of financial shame for patients.

www.prescriptionaccessinitiative.org

"These kinds of political footballs wear down and demoralise the community pharmacy sector. They make us feel like the forgotten profession."

Gemma Perry wrote an opinion piece for Spinoff. I hope this resonates with you all and that so much of your valuable mahi and magic would be at risk if copayment is reinstated and that us and our team are to be forced to play tax collector once again.

Share this with your patients, your communities and your team and on your social media . And thank you, once again for those who have contributed to our surveys - your voice matter.

How fees-free prescriptions changed my patients’ lives for the better Now the new government is planning to reinstate fees, and I'm dreading the impact.

Ka pai to our colleagues in Vogeltown, Moturoa and Wellington for speaking up about the $5 co-payment - love that you are seeing benefits already since it has been removed but we agree - it's going to be a backwards step if a National led government bring it back:

Independent pharmacies get customers back after $5 prescription fee waived One customer said it was "like coming home" when they were able to afford to return to their local pharmacy.

📢 Get Ready for the Community Pharmacy Election 2023 Pledge Card! 🗳️

We're here to keep you informed about something crucial - the upcoming election and its potential impact on your favourite community pharmacy. 💊🏥

We've got the inside scoop on where the major political parties stand when it comes to essential pharmacy issues. Check this out:

✅ Most parties are fully committed to protecting fees-free prescriptions for all Kiwis. However, there are a couple of parties that seem to lean towards using pharmacists as tax collectors & taxing people when they are sick 🧾💊

✅ When it comes to prioritising patients over profits by keeping safeguards against non-pharmacist ownership of community pharmacies, some parties have given a resounding "Yes," while others have left us hanging with "Did not respond" or "Unclear." 🏥🤷‍♂️

Your voice is incredibly important in this process! Let's keep the conversation going and ensure we make informed choices in the upcoming election! 🗳️💬

Stay tuned for more updates and remember to use the hashtags: to join the conversation! 🇳🇿💪

Happy World Pharmacists day to our colleagues across the motu!

We hope you have had a great day and been able to reflect on the significant impact you make in the lives of your patients through your pharmacy practice, and the relationships you have built with your patients, teams and each other.

We are encouraged and inspired by those who continue to stand up for pharmacy, and thank all the pharmacists who responded to our survey earlier this year with your stories of how the co-payment was affecting your patients.

The PAI team, along with ICPG, have been working hard in the areas of co-payment and advocating for pharmacist ownership of pharmacies, and you will see some more coming out from us in the next few weeks.

"Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi" // "With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive."

P - Passionate about helping people
H - Honest and ethical in every interaction
A - Always learning and updating knowledge and skills
R - Reliable and responsible for duties and decisions
M - Motivated to provide the best service and care possible
A - Adaptable to different situations and challenges
C - Collaborative and respectful with colleagues and patients
I - Innovative and creative in finding solutions
S - Supportive and empathetic to the people we serve
T - Trustworthy and professional in my role as a pharmacist

Happy World Pharmacists' Day and thank you to all our pharmacist colleagues

- Pharmacist in Auckland.