New Zealand government support

More than 100 applications have already been lodged by New Zealand community pharmacies for a Ministry of Health Relief Fund which is being administered by the country’s Pharmacy Council.

A total of NZ$1.7 million is up for grabs, with the initial tranche of $500,000 now almost fully allocated.

The Council said “we are pleased to advise that relief for some pharmacy teams is now happening,” with the funding aiming to assist community pharmacies which have been on the front line of the pandemic. The fund is particularly targeting criteria such as providing services to Maori or Pacific peoples, working as a sole practitioner, and those in independent or independent franchise-held pharmacies.

To support the Fund, the NZ Pharmacy Council has also been helping to find pharmacists and technicians for some pharmacy employers, with the Council saying “we are currently struggling to find about 10 to 15 technicians”.

Source: Phamarcydaily.com.au, Friday 6 November 2020