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Community Pharmacy Minor Ailments Service

What is the Minor Ailment Service (MAS)?

It is a service that is provided by community pharmacies to consult on a range of minor health conditions and supply funded medicines and treatment aids if clinically indicated.

The initiative aims to improve access for people who are unable to access care or afford care for these minor ailments.

The consultation is provided by a registered pharmacist in a private consultation area.

The pharmacist will determine if funded treatment is appropriate or whether the patient needs to be referred to another healthcare provider e.g. a doctor. 

What conditions are covered under MAS?

  • Pain and fever - children
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dehydration
  • Minor eye inflammation and infections
  • Minor skin infections
  • Eczema or dermatitis
  • Scabies
  • Headlice - nits, kutis, kutu bugs, utu or riha.
  • Uncomplicated Lower Urinary Tract Infection in Females between 16-65yrs 

Who qualifies for a free pharmacist consultation and eligible funded medicines?

This service is available to patients who are eligible for publicly funded services in New Zealand and are:

  • Children aged 3 months to 14 years.
  • Whānau of the children with the same condition.
  • Any patients who meet at least one of the following:

Have a Community Services card (CSC).

Is a 15yr to 17yr old whose parent has a Community Services Card (CSC).

Have been physically displaced or isolated due to Cyclone Gabrielle.

Live in a R2 or R3 rural community. See classifications  

Is the medicine provided free?

There is a selected list of medicines fully funded that can be provided by the pharmacist in relation to the consultation at no charge to the patient.

The pharmacist will use their clinical knowledge to

  • Supply the patient with appropriate medication or products
  • Provide information on any medication including reason for use, common side effects, when and where to seek help.
  • Provide information on the condition including prevention measures.

 Walk-ins/Appointments?

Where possible the pharmacy will provide the service as a walk in service with no appointment necessary.

If demand is high for pharmacist services then an appointment time will be made.