Zero GP and Prescription Fees for Under 13s in Taranaki

Zero GP and Prescription Fees for Under 13s in Taranaki

From tomorrow, Tuesday 1 July 2015, all Midland Health Network general practices (GP’s) in Taranaki will offer zero-fee visits for children under 13. Parents and caregivers of children under 13 will no longer need to pay the $5 charge for each item of prescription medicine, though other charges may still apply.

Taranaki DHB Portfolio Manager for Primary Health Care, Pharmacy and Oral Health, Vicki Kershaw said, “Introducing zero fees for under 13s is aimed at improving access to healthcare for primary and intermediate school children, ensuring they can get the care they need when they need it and avoiding possible complications and visits to hospital emergency departments.”

All Midland Health Network GP’s in Taranaki will be providing free medical consultations for children up to 13 years of age.

After-Hours, parents and caregivers can access free prescription medicines for children up to 13 years old at Vivian Pharmacy, City Care Pharmacy and The Valley Pharmacy. All community pharmacies in Taranaki will provide free prescription medicines during regular working hours. Other pharmacy charges remain unchanged, such as medicines that are either not funded or only partially funded by PHARMAC.

The ’zero fees’ scheme applies to a standard daytime visit to a GP or nurse at the child’s regular practice (where they are enrolled) or an after-hours visit to a participating clinic. It also applies to injuries covered by ACC. Once a child turns 13 years old they do not receive publicly funded medical and pharmacy care.

Mrs Kershaw said, “All Midland Health Network GP’s in Taranaki already offer zero-fee visits to children under six and they have now extended the scheme to under-13s, which is good news for our whanau/families in Taranaki.

To find out more, check with your general practice team or pharmacist or see www.health.govt.nz/visiting-a-doctor
Participating Midlands Health Network GPs include: Practice
Avon Medical Centre
Bellomo Family Health
Carefirst/Merrilands-satellite clinic
Central Medical

ENDS

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