30 August 2002

Pharmac briefing paper released

Health Minister Annette King said today that Pharmac’s post-election briefing papers to the incoming government identify the development of stronger relationships in the health sector and the continuing challenge of managing the pharmaceutical budget.

The papers say the Government’s drug-buying agency has strengthened its relationships on a number of levels in the past year, through formal agreements with all 21 District Health Boards, the development of a Maori Responsiveness Strategy, enhanced relations with the pharmaceutical industry and meetings with clinicians.

Ms King said she agreed with Pharmac’s belief that development of these relationships with DHBs and the wider health sector will be crucial in working to improve health outcomes for New Zealanders.

“While keeping expenditure within budget, Pharmac has still been able to provide new or enhanced access to a number of drugs to treat conditions such as arthritis, high cholesterol, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and schizophrenia in the past year,” she said.

Pharmac’s briefing also identifies a number of challenges ahead, including continuing to maintain pharmaceutical expenditure within budget, and improving access to health information.

The briefing is available on the Pharmac website www.pharmac.govt.nz

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