Nelson health board in dispute

Nelson health authorities say they are seeking legal advice over the region's pharmacists' refusal to recognise new prescription charges.

Nelson Marlborough District Health Board considers the pharmacists' action a breach of contract.

In a drawn-out and bitter dispute, pharmacists have refused to recognise new government subsidies which mean people aged under 18 or over 65 should pay no more than $3 for subsidised medicines.

They say they will continue to charge these patients $15 until the board agrees to mediated talks over the amount pharmacists are paid for dispensing medicines.