Improved Access to Innovative Medicines Good for NZ Patients

Improved Access to Innovative Medicines Good for NZ Patients

Providing solutions to help New Zealand’s health system better serve its people is at the heart of Medicines New Zealand’s message at the Trans Pacific Partnership meetings in Dallas this week.



In a speech delivered to a stakeholder meeting in Dallas, Medicines New Zealand Chair Heather Roy has outlined the pharmaceutical industry’s support for the TPP.



Medicines New Zealand believes improved access to innovative medicines will benefit New Zealand patients and a free trade agreement with eight other countries will give our economy a much needed boost.



A recent economic projection of the expected benefits of the TPP estimates that by 2025 the TPP could add US$1.7 billion to New Zealand’s GDP[1].



“A good TPP will be good for New Zealand’s economy, it will be positive for our exporters and importers and it will help to bring this vibrant region closer together,” Mrs Roy says.



“Contrary to popular misconception, the industry has no intention of using the TPP process to get rid of PHARMAC.



“New Zealanders could have access to better and newer medicines if the system was streamlined and the broader questions relating to health policy and relative spend were addressed. I don’t accept that better access to medicines would result in a blow-out of the health budget. On the contrary, I think there are efficiencies to be gained,” Mrs Roy says.



Read the speech in full at: http://www.medicinesnz.co.nz/assets/Perspectives-Versus-Perceptions-Final.pdf



ENDS