August 04, 2023
Free prescription delivery a game changer
One of Aotearoa’s biggest independent pharmacies is offering free monthly delivery of prescriptions anywhere in the country to patients with chronic medical conditions.
Spokesperson Din Redzepagic says now the Government has dropped the $5 prescription co-payment, Auckland’s Zoom Pharmacy can also do its bit by absorbing delivery costs.
He says previously up to a third of its patients weren’t collecting their meds regularly because of financial hardship.
“The reactions are truly heart-warming. People are just so thankful – which is really great to see. I mean costs are rising. Petrol prices are going up. Getting transport is really difficult. We’re dealing with a lot of whanau – parents, kids – organising medicines for their whanau. We’re making it that much easier,” he says.
Mr Redzepagic says the initiative will significantly boost access to healthcare for Māori, Pasifika, rural and other patients with long-term health and chronic conditions.