Held on Thursday 18 February, the talk presented evidence from Michael's 2006 report: Access by patients in New Zealand to innovative new prescription-only medicines: how have they been faring in recent times in relation to their trans-Tasman counterparts?

His report identified gaps in access to innovative medicines in New Zealand compared with Australia, and discussed possible policy responses to these gaps. The report also identified substantial delays in funding new medicines in New Zealand.

As such, it is pertinent as a starting point for the current High-cost, Highly-specialised Medicines Review, by identifying the extent to which trade-off's between cost containment and range of access have impacted on the PHARMAC approach to funding new medicines. Click here to view slides of Michael's talk.

Click here for a copy of the RMI's submission to the High Cost Medicines Panel.