The health board's general manager, finance and funding, Robert Mackway-Jones said a routine audit of the pharmacy services last year raised the question of a pharmacy that operates on two different licences.
The Owaka Pharmacy operates as a full pharmacy for three days (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday), but on Fridays only for retail sales and with medication already dispensed by the pharmacist.
It provides pharmaceuticals to the wider Catlins area, including Clinton and Tokanui.
Owaka Plunket member Sandra Grant said the Owaka community fought to avoid the closure of the pharmacy more than four years ago, through it becoming a subsidiary of Elwyn Bates Pharmacy in Balclutha.
Mr Mackway-Jones said the Ministry of Health had advised that under the Medicines Act, a pharmacy could not hold two licences.
According to the Southern DHB, the pharmacy should operate either as a pharmacy for five days a week or as a depot.
Health board clinical nurse specialist (rural) Kevin Whitney said a depot pharmacy would be inconvenient for some people, as many prescriptions from Tokanui were sent to Owaka.
"The community here is keen to support the Owaka Pharmacy.
It's the local pharmacy despite being an hour away," he said.
Mr Mackway-Jones said pharmacy owners had been working with the licensing authority and health board to ensure continued access to pharmacy services in the area, with depot services to suit the GP clinic hours and a same-day delivery service.
"Access to a pharmacist is important and will be part of the ongoing discussions, as all parties must comply with the relevant legislation. However, we think the legislation covering pharmacies may need some flexibility for operating in rural and remote areas and this is a matter we [the SDHB] will be pursuing with the Ministry of Health," he said.
A petition to keep the status quo began to circulate in Owaka yesterday afternoon.
The owners of Elwyn Bates Pharmacy were unavailable for comment.
