Health New Zealand has admitted it didn’t consult with pharmacies before changing the funding for Covid antivirals - which has seen some pharmacies stop providing the service. As of July 1, pharmacists are now funded for a 15-minute consultation with patients to see if Paxlovid is appropriate for them, taking into account their current medication and other health conditions. If the pharmacist carries out the assessment and determines the patient is not eligible, they are not reimbursed for the work.
The Pharmaceutical Society has written to Health NZ expressing concerns - and highlighting an apparent lack of consultation..
