http://www.icpg.nz/blog/ The latest Blog feeds from www.icpg.nz en-us Tue, 26 May 2026 09:53:34 +1200 Rocketspark http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/158995/what-weve-achieved-in-2025/ Over the last 12 months the ICPG has focused on legal action and regulatory precedent around Countdown/Woolworths pharmacies, submissions on ownership and co-payment policy, and direct engagement with Health NZ’s ICPSA and funding processes. Collectively, those activities have shifted how corporate pharmacy structures are regulated, kept pharmacist‑ownership protections on the table, and ensured independent owners’ concerns are visible in national contract and funding reviews.Legal and reg... Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post158995 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/117034/briefing-to-the-incoming-ministers-health/ This briefing to the incoming Government ministers in December 2023 urged the incoming Ministers to consult with the independent pharmacy sector before making any changes to primary healthcare.You can download the full briefing below.... Mon, 01 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post117034 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/113807/making-the-case-for-universal-access-to-fees-free-prescriptions/ Here is the link to the report: Better healthcare for all:  Community pharmacy staff on the effects of universal fees-free prescriptions. Read the contributions from pharmacists and pharmacy staff as they offer fresh angles and give new evidence on the benefits of universal fees-free prescriptions for all patients. As well as far better access to vital medicines for those financially struggling, benefits for all patients include: better preventative care & early interventions, and ... Mon, 13 Nov 2023 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post113807 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/111348/community-pharmacy-election-pledges/ We're here to keep you informed about something crucial - the upcoming election and its potential impact on community pharmacy. We've got the inside scoop on where the major political parties stand when it comes to essential pharmacy issues.... Sun, 01 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post111348 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/109690/our-latest-position-paper-on-pharmacy-ownership/ Pharmacy healthcare run by health professionals without interference from corporate business interests is the best way to support equitable and safe access to medicines and quality pharmacy services for all New Zealanders now and into the future.... Sat, 02 Sep 2023 10:37:49 +1200 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post109690 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/104969/just-what-the-doctor-ordered/ Here's a great article by Kris Faafoi - former Labour Party MP for Mana from Stuff on May 24th. A very balanced view of how important this move will be for health equity and access.... Wed, 24 May 2023 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post104969 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/104819/our-submission-on-pharmacy-ownership/ Here is our submission to the Health Select Committee on Pharmacy Ownership.Strengthening pharmacist ownership requirements is the best option to ensure equitable access of all New Zealanders to medicines and health care services; and protects quality control of vital health delivery and the professional independence of pharmacists from non-pharmacist interference and pressure.... Tue, 23 May 2023 12:32:36 +1200 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post104819 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/104675/big-gain-from-small-change/ Our media release and subsequent coverage has shown that our voice for change has been heard.This editorial in Stuff newspapers has picked up on the fact that our position paper and lobbying has been instrumental in achieving this significant and positive change for NZ Independent Pharmacy.... Sat, 20 May 2023 10:39:26 +1200 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post104675 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/103893/our-position-on-prescription-fees-for-new-zealanders/ The patient co-payment fee on prescriptions is harming physical and mental health and wellbeing, by increasing health crises, pain, shame, and unnecessary hospitalisations around the country. Removing this government-imposed healthcare barrier for everyone would increase access to basic medicines, producing immediate positive effects for community health, and reducing the burden on our over-extended healthcare system.... Thu, 27 Apr 2023 16:31:27 +1200 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post103893 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/post/95382/december-update-from-businessdesk/ Here's another viewpoint in the media - read here... Thu, 01 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.icpg.nz/blog/#post95382