Guild supportive of Green Party’s health care policy for teenagers
The Pharmacy Guild of New Zealand (the Guild) supports the Green Party’s announcement that they will extend free health
care to under 18s.
Over the weekend the Green Party launched a $29 million plan to improve the health of New Zealand’s teenagers.
Further extending the current Government’s commitment, the Green Party’s plan offers free doctors' visits and free
prescription medicine to teenagers aged 13 through to their 18th birthday.
Guild Chief Executive, Lee Hohaia says “The Guild has always supported the targeting of co-payments, and is pleased to
see this being applied to all under 18s. Any initiative which improves access to timely primary care intervention and
management is an excellent outcome for our communities.
“It is especially important to ensure affordable and accessible health care is available to teenagers as their health
needs at this time can be complex and potentially life altering if left untreated. Hopefully by removing the cost
barrier to accessing health care services, our teenagers will be encouraged to seek medical advice sooner.
“The Guild is pleased that the timeframe proposed enables sufficient time to ensure the funding will support service
provision without cutting back on services.
“We would welcome further extension of this targeting to other at risk groups such as the elderly and high deprivation
communities.
“The Guild will continue to advocate for fair funding to ensure the sustainability of community pharmacy as an important
and accessible health care service in the community.”
ENDS