NZ Expands Podiatrists’ Role with Prescribing Powers to Improve Access to Pain Relief

“This simple step means a big change for people suffering from painful foot injuries and leg conditions, and it’s also an important recognition for podiatrists,” said Dr Reti.

Health Minister Dr Shane Reti and Associate Health Minister David Seymour have announced a significant development in New Zealand’s healthcare system: podiatrists will soon be able to prescribe medicines for foot and leg conditions, eliminating the need for patients to visit a doctor for prescription-based pain relief. This change, set to be proposed to the Cabinet by the end of this year, aims to streamline healthcare access and improve treatment for patients with painful lower limb conditions.

“This simple step means a big change for people suffering from painful foot injuries and leg conditions, and it’s also an important recognition for podiatrists,” said Dr Reti. “By empowering podiatrists to prescribe medications, we’re improving access to care and expanding the roles of healthcare providers who are essential in their communities.”

Once approved, the change will see New Zealand podiatrists join other health professionals with designated prescribing authority, such as trained nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists. This new measure aligns New Zealand with countries like Australia, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, where podiatrists already have limited prescribing powers for specific conditions.

David Seymour emphasized that the shift would offer both healthcare savings and enhanced accessibility. “For too long, podiatrists have been restricted to providing a limited range of pharmacy-only or restricted medicines for skin care or minor procedures,” he explained. “Allowing a greater scope of prescribing authority for podiatrists not only expands their ability to help patients but also reduces the financial and time burden of an additional doctor’s visit for something that could be managed by a podiatrist.”

The change will utilize New Zealand’s nearly 500 podiatrists, many of whom work in rural and community settings where access to other healthcare providers may be limited. According to Seymour, common yet painful conditions like shin splints and bunions, which require prescription pain relief, have previously necessitated a visit to a general practitioner.

“We know that conditions like shin splints and bunions can be extremely painful,” he said. “Making this change means people can more easily access necessary treatments, especially in rural areas where healthcare options are often limited. It’s a key step toward making healthcare as easy to access as possible.”

Furthermore, podiatrists play a vital role in the management of chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, where foot health is crucial to prevent severe complications like limb amputations. Empowering podiatrists to prescribe appropriate medications will help patients manage their conditions more effectively and reduce the risk of complications.

To support the expanded role, the Ministry of Health is developing a comprehensive list of medications that podiatrists with additional training will be authorized to prescribe. This list is expected to be finalized by mid-2025, ensuring that podiatrists are equipped to manage a broad range of podiatric conditions safely and effectively.

This move underscores the Government’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility and efficiency, while better utilizing healthcare professionals and reducing barriers for patients in need.