Historically in New Zealand, specialist gluten free products have been available on prescription for people with medically diagnosed coeliac disease. A recent study published in The New Zealand Medical Journal reveals that only about 2 per cent of those eligible are obtaining gluten-free foods on prescription.
In 2023, researchers surveyed 522 people in New Zealand with coeliac disease and found that while 24 per cent had accessed gluten free products on prescription in the past, only 2 per cent currently do so. The main reasons limiting use of the prescription service include awareness of the service, cost, product range and convenience.
The prescription service was managed by Pharmac—a scientific advisory board appointed by the New Zealand minister of health, under the guidance of the special foods advisory committee. However, Pharmac ceased managing the service in 2011 and, as of 2023, the range of prescription gluten free products available in New Zealand included only gluten free bread mix, gluten free flour and gluten free baking mix. In 2023, the home delivery service for these products was discontinued, with all prescription products requiring pharmacy collection.
Eighty-five percent of survey respondents did not receive any benefits to support their gluten free diet. Rather than use a prescription service, most (90 per cent) expressed a preference for a discount card to help cover the additional costs of purchasing foods to support their gluten-free dietary requirements.
Further investigation is warranted into how those with coeliac disease want to be supported and how best to maximise equity of care across New Zealand.
Read the full publication in the New Zealand Medical Journal.
