Expectations for Pharmac's Delivery of Medicines and Medical Technology

Mr. Seymour acknowledged the significant task ahead for Pharmac, especially in a challenging fiscal environment.

Associate Health Minister David Seymour has outlined his clear expectations for Pharmac, emphasizing the importance of delivering essential medicines and medical technology to New Zealanders.

“For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely. New cancer medicines that we are providing funding for, along with the additional funding for medicines, will help ensure that New Zealanders have access to the medicines they need for a fulfilling life. This is one of our greatest priorities,” stated Mr. Seymour.

Mr. Seymour acknowledged the significant task ahead for Pharmac, especially in a challenging fiscal environment. He stressed the need to prioritize funding and resources to ensure Pharmac remains focused on its core function of procuring medicines for those in need.

“In my letter, I have made clear the need for Pharmac to focus on delivering improved health outcomes underpinned by robust data and evidence. One change that I have outlined is that I do not believe it is appropriate to require Pharmac to continue considering how it can contribute to embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi across the health sector, which was an expectation in the previous 2023/24 letter.”

Mr. Seymour emphasized the importance of expertise in health professionals informing decisions about medicine funding and access. He expressed his continued support for the independent model for medicine procurement, ensuring Pharmac operates at an arm’s length from the Minister in its decision-making.

“My letter of expectations also makes it clear that I want Pharmac to work in partnership with consumers, clinicians, suppliers, and the health sector to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders,” Mr. Seymour added.

He highlighted Pharmac’s current effective collaborations and expressed a desire for this to expand, with a focus on listening to the voice of patients and reducing barriers to make medicine delivery faster, more efficient, and cost-effective.

“I have outlined in my letter that Pharmac should have appropriate processes for ensuring that people living with an illness, along with their carers and family, can participate in and provide input into decision-making processes around medicines.”

Mr. Seymour also noted the Government’s recent funding increase for Pharmac, the largest ever, with a $6.898 billion budget, and the ongoing consultation process on improving access to cancer and non-cancer medicines.

“I am confident that Pharmac will be able to provide what New Zealanders need, particularly now that they have been further enabled. Each time I visit Pharmac, I am struck by the capability of the people working there and the commitment to making the most out of their budget, to get the most for New Zealanders,” he concluded.