Some pharmacies are charging consumers 20 cents to $1 more per prescription than their contract entitles them to. Photo: 123RF
Patients around the country are routinely not taking prescribed medication for serious medical conditions - because they cannot afford the five dollar co-payment prescription fee.
That's according to a new survey of 150 community pharmacists around New Zealand, just released.
Prescriptions cost $5 per item up to $100 per year per family, for people aged 14 and over. But the survey finds that many patients cannot afford to pick up their medication, contributing to even more serious health issues including stroke, heart attack, sight loss, failed kidneys, breathing problems, mental health crises, and amputations.
The survey echoes a recent Otago University study which found the prescription fee significantly increases the number of days people stay in hospital every year.
Kathryn speaks with Vicky Chan from the pharmacist group Prescription Access Initiative, which conducted the survey. She owns Unichem Pakuranga Pharmacy and the Pakuranga Life Pharmacy.
Also with Otago University health researcher Professor Pauline Norris.
