EDITORIALWas $5 script cull the best medicine?

• Published date: 25 May 2023
• Publication title: Northland Age, The

Health Minister Dr Ayesha Verrall said removing the charge would make it easier and cheaper for New Zealanders to access the medicines they need, having a meaningful impact on many, particularly those with multiple prescriptions on a regular basis

This will benefit a range of people, including almost 770,000 New Zealanders over the age of 65 who received prescription medicines in the community last year. So far, so simple, although the cost is not insignificant at an estimated $618.6 million over four years.

The Government estimates more than 135,000 adults failed to collect their prescriptions because of cost in 2021/22, particularly low-income families, Māori, Pasifika peoples, and disabled New Zealanders.

One of the intended consequences, as well as easing cost-of-living pressures on the most vulnerable, is to relieve the duress on the health system. Untaken prescriptions can lead to deteriorating health and require emergency attention.

Perhaps unintended was the trap laid by the policy for Opposition parties, whose natural response was to criticise it.

National finance spokesperson Nicola Willis stated her party would reintroduce the $5 charge, arguing it was a “nice to have” and would subsidise wealthy people. This was pounced on in social media posts, accusing the party of Grinch-like...