Redevelopment of the Pharmaceutical Schedule

About the schedule

The Pharmaceutical Schedule is the primary tool for displaying funded medicines in New Zealand. 

It is used by health professionals to check what is funded, understand any conditions that apply, and ensure people receive the funded treatments they are eligible for.

The Pharmaceutical Schedule was first published in 1994 meaning the technology that currently supports the Schedule is more than 30 years old. Pharmac is replacing this ageing technology to reduce risk and ensure the Schedule remains secure, available, and supportable for the future.

What we’re doing now

Pharmac has updated its approach to the redevelopment of the Schedule following engagement with Health New Zealand and other sector stakeholders.

Feedback from the health sector highlighted that introducing substantial changes to the Schedule at the same time as broader health sector technology initiatives could create significant impacts for users. Pharmac has listened to this feedback.

Our immediate focus is now on replacing the Schedule’s underlying technology platform while maintaining the existing formats and outputs that the sector relies on today.

This approach will:

• Address risks associated with the current technology platform.
• Improve the long-term sustainability of the Pharmaceutical Schedule.
• Minimise disruption for health sector users.
• Provide a stable foundation for future enhancements.

Working with the sector

We recognise that organisations across the health sector use Pharmaceutical Schedule information in different ways and for different purposes.

As part of the redevelopment, we are engaging with users to better understand:

• Which Schedule formats they rely on most.
• What information is most important to their systems and processes.
• Which outputs should be maintained or replicated on the new platform.

Where possible, we intend to retain existing or similar formats within the new technology environment to support continuity for users.

Staged implementation

Rather than introducing all changes through a single large-scale release, upgraded components of the Pharmaceutical Schedule will be delivered progressively.

This phased implementation approach will:

• Reduce disruption for users.
• Support sector readiness.
• Lower delivery and implementation risk.
• Enable ongoing engagement and feedback throughout the programme.

The first release of the new platform is currently expected in mid-2027.

Future development of the Schedule

Pharmac remains committed to modernising how information in the Pharmaceutical Schedule is delivered and used across the health system.

Introducing a digital only format supported by a secure data feed (FHIR-based API) remains a longer-term goal of the redevelopment programme. However, our immediate priority is delivering a stable and reliable replacement for the current system.

Taking this staged approach will allow Pharmac to reduce risk while continuing to work alongside the sector to shape future improvements.

Contact us

If you would like to learn more about the redevelopment of the Pharmaceutical Schedule or share feedback about how you use the Schedule, please contact the project team at scheduleproject@pharmac.govt.nz