Labour promises to reinstate universal free prescriptions if elected | Stuff.co…

Labour promises to reinstate universal free prescriptions if elected | Stuff.co.nz <!--mynz:youtube-chapters--> {"v":1,"chapters":[{"timeSeconds":0,"label":"Labour's Prescription Promise","summary":"Labour has pledged to reinstate universal free prescriptions if elected. This policy aims to reduce household costs and ensure more New Zealanders can access necessary medications."},{"timeSeconds":21,"label":"Pharmacy Costs Impact Patients","summary":"A $5 prescription fee can be a significant barrier for some patients. Pharmacists observe that this cost prevents individuals from collecting essential medicines."},{"timeSeconds":34,"label":"Government's Reasoning for Fee Removal","summary":"Previous governments removed prescription fees, recognizing them as a barrier to healthcare access. This decision was made to ensure people could obtain necessary medication."},{"timeSeconds":45,"label":"Hipkins: 155,000 Didn't Collect Prescriptions","summary":"Labour leader Chris Hipkins stated that 155,000 New Zealanders did not collect their prescriptions last year due to cost. He argues this prevents people from staying healthy."},{"timeSeconds":57,"label":"Pharmacy's Annual Cost","summary":"The cost of prescriptions to the pharmacy sector is estimated at $75 million annually. This figure highlights the financial implications of dispensing medications."},{"timeSeconds":101,"label":"Preventative Care is Cheaper","summary":"Labour argues that preventing illness is more cost-effective than treating it. They believe that by removing prescription fees, they can avoid costly hospitalizations."},{"timeSeconds":114,"label":"Medi-Card Package Details","summary":"Labour's proposed 'Medi-Card' package includes three free GP visits, free maternity scans, and free vehicle screening annually. This is funded by capital gains tax."},{"timeSeconds":143,"label":"National's Stance on Prescription Fees","summary":"National previously removed the free prescription policy, but the current Prime Minister suggests it should be universally available. He believes it's a cost-of-living relief measure."}]} <!--/mynz:youtube-chapters-->