Wellington pharmacy unable to fulfill prescriptions for funded medications
Bargain Chemist in Lyall Bay says it plans to appeal a Health NZ decision not to grant its application.
The Bargain Chemist in Wellington's Lyall Bay is currently unable to process prescriptions for funded medications after Health NZ declined their application for an Integrated Community Pharmacy Services Agreement (ICPSA). The pharmacy displayed a sign alerting customers to the issue and offering a free courier service from their Manners Street location.
Peter Shenoda, the director, confirmed that Health NZ decided there was insufficient evidence of a need for an additional funded pharmacy service in the area. Despite disagreeing with the decision, the Bargain Chemist store in the Wellington Airport Retail Park is appealing the ruling. The pharmacy argues that patients should have more choice, especially considering the clear community demand.
Shenoda emphasized that the company welcomes competition but is unclear as to why existing pharmacies should limit patients' options when there is evident demand. The pharmacy, which is New Zealand-owned and operates 30 stores nationwide, offers free prescriptions for funded medication, charging a $5 co-payment at other locations.
Some customers, including the elderly, parents, and those with mobility challenges, have expressed appreciation for the pharmacy's convenience and accessibility. The Upper Hutt store had its ICPSA granted in July 2023, following a 2022 application. Shenoda requested Health NZ to reconsider their decision and hear the community's perspective, urging the health agency to allow local patients the choice of accessing funded prescription services from Bargain Chemist.
Health NZ's group manager for funding and integration north, Deborah Davies, explained that they have broad commissioning powers and are not obligated to accept all applications. Decisions are made based on the merits of each application, taking into account access to pharmacy services, unmet need, equity, service duplication, and the effective and efficient use of the pharmacy workforce.
Health NZ does not consider whether a pharmacy is New Zealand- or foreign-owned when making decisions.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
