Budget and access to medicines for New Zealanders
28 May 2009

The promised extra $185.7m for medicines in the community over the next four years is a significant and welcome first step toward closing the growing gap between the number and quality of medicines available to Australians, as compared with those here in New Zealand," said Dr Pippa MacKay, the Chairman of the Researched Medicines Industry Association (RMI).

"However, the gap is substantial and has widened over the past few years. Since June 2000 84 more medicines made available to Australians through the PBS (the equivalent to our Pharmaceutical Schedule) than were funded in New Zealand1 .

"We recognise the recession has imposed severe restrictions on any further new funding for medicines, so the RMI believes that two specific steps should be taken to ensure that the maximum value can be gained from the current budget.

1. Review those medicines currently funded that are inexpensive and available from supermarkets.
2. Publish and adhere to a List of Need i.e. the prioritised list of medicines recommended by PHARMAC's clinical assessment committee (PTAC).

"Given the Government's commitment to move towards parity with Australia, some hard decisions are required, not the least of them being the issue of wide distribution of inexpensive over-the-counter (OTC) medicines with only a $3 co-payment - at the cost of denying modern, innovative prescription-only drugs," she said.

1 Michael Wonder, Novartis Australia, and Cristine Della Barca, Subscripts New Zealand

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For further information contact Dr Pippa MacKay, RMI Chairman 027 448 4718.

RMI - Background

Medicines save lives, reduce symptoms, and cure disease. They are a vital component of any modern health service. The Researched Medicines Industry Association (RMI) represents 19 pharmaceutical companies engaged in the research, development, manufacture, and supply of medicines in New Zealand. RMI is committed to improving the lives of New Zealanders by providing access to medicines of the highest quality, safety and efficacy.