Contact a Maori pharmacist on a dedicated helpline
Ngā Kaitiaki o Te Puna Rongoā o Aotearoa – the Māori Pharmacists Association (MPA) have re-launched their free phone line to answer questions that kaumātua or whānau may have about their medicines in response to COVID-19.
People can ring 0800 664 688 from anywhere across Aotearoa and their call will be returned within 24 hours by a Māori pharmacist. Pātai (questions) may be things such as:
- How do I use my medicine?
- What is my medicine for?
- What are the common side effects and how can these be managed?
- Should I get the flu vaccine?
- Will my normal medicines be affected by the COVID-19 situation?
Callers ringing the dedicated phone line are asked to leave their contact details, and one of a team of 10 Māori pharmacists will respond and go through their questions.
This is not an urgent service. Whānau are encouraged to continue to call 111 in an emergency, or their normal doctor or Healthline (080 611 116) if they are wanting prompt medical advice.
Watch a video about the new Māori Pharmacist helpline (Google Drive).