More funding for medicines
19 May 2008

"In response to Peter Dunne's announced $8.8million for best practice prescribing the Researched Medicines Industry Association reiterates its support for the optimal use of prescription medicines.

"Improving the way we use medicines and reducing wastage are important steps towards better health outcomes" said RMI chief executive officer Ken Shirley.

"However the real issue is New Zealand's under investment in new innovative medicines which have the capacity to deliver substantial health improvements. In comparison Peter Dunne's announcement is mere tinkering.

"New Zealand languishes near the bottom of OECD countries when it comes to investment in new innovative medicines.

"The sad reality is that New Zealand invests just 6% of government health expenditure in medicines whereas the OECD average is 18%.

"The RMI calls on Government to begin to address this imbalance in this week's budget.

Ends…/