Redevelopment of the Pharmaceutical Schedule

Pharmac is redeveloping the Schedule to make it easier to use, faster to update, and fit for the modern health system.

On this page

What we are doing

The Pharmaceutical Schedule was first published in 1994. The health sector is vastly different from the one we operated in 30 years ago. We now rely on shared data and modern systems. 

Pharmac is redeveloping the Pharmaceutical Schedule to make it simpler to use, more consistent, and aligned with the modern health sector.

We are working in partnership with Health New Zealand (Health NZ) who are transitioning Special Authority from legacy systems to modern technology (HSAAP) including integration with the Pharmaceutical Schedule. Pharmac and Health NZ have aligned delivery to ensure a joined up and collaborative approach and to reduce the impact on the sector.

The redeveloped Schedule along with the updated Special Authority platform will be released in late 2027. Ahead of this we’ll l be engaging with subscribers and users of the Schedule to ensure we deliver a system that works for everyone who uses it.  

What is changing

The Schedule will move to a digital only format, supported by a secure data feed, for faster and more reliable updates. 

Hospital and community funding will be brought together in one Schedule. Each product will have a single entry, which will remove duplication and make navigation easier. 

The Schedule will use terminology already in use across the health sector, such as New Zealand Medicines Terminology (NZMT).   

Benefits of these changes include: 

  • The ability for overnight updates (meaning newly funded medicines can be accessed faster)
  • Clearer and more consistent information across community, hospital, and primary care settings.
  • Funding rules that are easier for prescribers to find and follow
  • More reliable claiming and flexible rule types for dispensers
  • Technical capability to expand into areas like private hospitals and ambulance services in the future. 

A modernised Schedule will reduce administration for all users and provide people with greater clarity about which medicines are funded, and how they can be accessed. 

For more detailed information on what is specifically changing see our consultation on changes to how the Pharmaceutical Schedule will work.(external link)

What’s not changing

This redevelopment will only change how the Pharmaceutical Schedule is structured and accessed. 

There are no changes to how Pharmac decides what to fund. Community and hospital pharmacy claiming processes remain largely unchanged. 

While some systems may need technical updates to accommodate the revised Schedule format, no significant changes are anticipated to the Pharmaceutical Transactions Data Specification.

Who to contact

Pharmac consulted on the proposed changes in February 2026. We are still keen to hear from users of the Schedule and there will be opportunities to help with early testing. 

If you have any questions or feedback on the Schedule changes you can contact us on scheduleproject@pharmac.govt.nz 

Questions and answers