'Free' prescriptions will have long-term costs - pharmacists

‘Free’ prescriptions will have long-term costs – pharmacists

Thursday, February 9th, 2023

The head of the Pharmacy Guild says community pharmacies are shutting down thanks to the influx of Australian-owned discount chains.

Chief executive Andrew Gaudin warns in the long-term, this will reduce access to essential healthcare services – particularly for people outside the main centres.

Discount pharmacies like the Chemist Warehouse and Countdown supermarket stores do not ask for the usual $5 prescription charges.

“They’re using their commercial buying power and clout and running a loss-leader model, Gaudin told RNZ’s Nine to Noon

“They’re absorbing the government’s $5 prescription charge. Effectively they’re manipulating government policy to buy market share, and drive and squeeze out the smaller, independent [owner-operator] pharmacies.” Read more

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News category: New Zealand, News Shorts.

Tags: Pharmacy Guild, Prescription costs

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