New Zealand Introduces 12-Month Prescriptions Starting February 2026

New Zealand is set to implement a significant change in prescription practices, allowing citizens to obtain 12-month prescriptions for their medications starting from February 1, 2026. This initiative aims to enhance convenience and reduce healthcare costs for those managing long-term health conditions.

According to Simeon Brown, New Zealand’s Health Minister, the new regulations will simplify access to essential medicines, thereby alleviating some of the financial burdens on patients. Individuals with stable, chronic conditions will benefit from extended prescriptions, which means fewer visits to healthcare providers for routine script renewals. This reform, announced in the Budget 2025, is expected to save patients as much as $105 annually in reduced general practitioner (GP) fees.

Improving Healthcare Accessibility

The changes come at a time when many New Zealanders are managing conditions such as asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, and high blood pressure. By allowing longer prescription durations, the government aims to provide greater certainty for patients while also freeing up valuable time for GPs and pharmacists. This shift is particularly relevant for healthcare professionals, who often face overwhelming demand for appointments solely for prescription renewals.

Patients will still collect their repeat medications from pharmacies as they currently do, but they will no longer need to return to their doctors for new prescriptions. This change not only streamlines the process for patients but also allows healthcare providers to focus on cases that require more intensive care.

Supporting Pharmacists as Prescribers

In tandem with this initiative, the New Zealand government is also addressing existing limitations on pharmacist prescribing. Current legislation restricts any prescriber from owning or having a financial interest in a pharmacy, a barrier that stifles innovation and flexibility within the healthcare system. The recently passed Medicines Amendment Bill aims to eliminate this restriction, enabling pharmacists to take on prescribing roles while maintaining their pharmacy interests.

With approximately 100 pharmacist prescribers currently working in settings such as GP clinics and hospitals, this legislative change will expand their ability to serve in community pharmacies. This move is expected to increase patient access to prescription medications and ensure that pharmacists, who are recognized as highly skilled professionals, can contribute more effectively to community health.

The government’s commitment to enhancing prescription practices is part of a broader strategy to improve healthcare accessibility and efficiency in New Zealand. By making it easier for patients to obtain necessary medications, the government is not only aiming to keep Kiwis healthier for longer but also reducing pressure on other healthcare sectors.

As the implementation date approaches, Health New Zealand is collaborating with primary care and community pharmacy sectors to facilitate a smooth transition. The anticipated changes reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to adapt the healthcare system to better meet the needs of its population, ultimately ensuring that all New Zealanders have access to timely and quality healthcare.