| HOME |
 |
 |
Ritalin decision example of flawed policies "Unfortunately this is but one example of patients suffering as a result of the Government's procurement agency single mindedly pursuing sole supply with cheap generic drugs of untested clinical equivalence" said Dr Pippa MacKay, the chairman of the RMI (Researched Medicines Industry Association). "It is sad too that this is yet another example of a decision forced through displays of private agonies in the news media. "Clinical and medical decisions should not be based on column inches and tv coverage about personal suffering by private individuals. These decisions should be based on patient needs and science, not emotion," she said. "New Zealanders are, however, increasingly forced to expose themselves and their families in attempts to force funding for medicines that are routinely available in other countries, such as Australia." Dr Pippa MacKay said the Ritalin decision should be a sharp wakeup call for Peter Dunne and his officials preparing the New Zealand Medicines Strategy. "This is a strong reminder that the Strategy, due for release in December, must do something to increase access to modern innovative medicines, rather than cheap generics. "If Peter Dunne's Strategy fails to deliver, we will see the parade of tragic stories from patients and patient groups escalate as more new, innovative and efficacious medicines become available internationally, while Government policy refuses to supply them to needy patients," she said. The RMI says the NZ Medicines Strategy needs to have transparent decision making processes and the pharmaceutical budget should be determined by need and access benchmarks that are responsive to people's needs and which drive optimal health outcomes. "The bottom line is that New Zealanders have the right to expect access to a similar range of innovative medicines as enjoyed by the citizens of other developed nations," Dr MacKay commented. Ends…/ |
