PROJECTS
Pharmacy Guild Policy Paper, New Zealand
The problem
Pharmacists in New Zealand were at risk when District Health Boards (DHBs)— public health authorities in each region—looked at spending cuts which would result in lower dispensing fees. The DHBs wanted to reduce the cost of providing healthcare in New Zealand but this threatened financial viability of pharmacies.
How we helped
The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand engaged Castalia to identify opportunities for pharmacists and DHBs to work together. To show how pharmacists could help DHBs reduce costs, we assessed opportunities for better utilization of their skills, and identified different models of compensation to realize those opportunities. This included taking advantage of pharmacists having the right to prescribe some medicines, and we outlined the framework and funding mechanism to reduce the burden on the health system from relying on doctors to deal with minor prescriptions. We looked at different types of non-dispensing services that could be provided, listed benefits of providing those services, and identified different ways pharmacy services could be funded. Finally, we provided an overview of the Heads of Agreement for an enhanced arrangement.
Impact
Our report helped members of the Guild debate different remuneration options and reach consensus on how pharmacists could be better utilized and remunerated in New Zealand. Pharmacist Prescribers who complete additional training are now allowed to prescribe medicines without the patient having to visit a doctor.
How can we help you?
How can we help you?
WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
Sinclair House, 3 Glenside Crescent
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (0)1 85 64 10 22
3B Rue Taylor
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-121
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.
WASHINGTON, DC
+1 (202) 466-6790
1747 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 1200
United States of America
SYDNEY
+61 (2) 9231 6862
Suite 19.01, Level 19, 227 Elizabeth Street
Australia
AUCKLAND
+64 (4) 913 2800
74D France Street, Newton South
New Zealand
WELLINGTON
+64 (4) 913 2800
Level 2, 88 The Terrace
New Zealand
PARIS
+33 (1) 73 44 26 97
6 Rue Duret
France
BOGOTÁ
+57 (1) 508 5794
Calle 81 #11-08, Piso 5, Oficina 5-127
Colombia
Thinking for a better world.