Latest / The Kākā by Bernard Hickey
'It's medicine or food. We can't afford both'
TL;DR: - A survey of 150 pharmacists last month has found the $5 co-payment fee for prescriptions is leading to widespread distress, mental health incidents and unnecessary surgeries costing billions per year — all to earn the Government about $150 million a year in fees and to repay public debt just a tiny bit faster.
The Independent Community Pharmacy Group survey found the co-payment fee, which is $5 per prescription up to a maximum of $100 per year, contributed to their most vulnerable patients suffering strokes, heart attacks, sight loss, failed kidneys, breathing problems, mental health…
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