Fletcher Tabuteau MP

Spokesperson for Trade
11 JUNE 2015

Pharmac And Kiwi Health Costs in Jeopardy under TPPA

New Zealanders face higher medical costs under the TPPA – there’s nothing in the new leaks to say that is not the case, says New Zealand First.

“We fear that Pharmac’s buying power and cost savings will be in jeopardy under the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement,” says Spokesperson on Trade Fletcher Tabuteau.

“We call on the Prime Minister, the Trade Minister, and the government’s political partners, including United Future, to reassure New Zealanders that Pharmac will not be clobbered by the big drug manufacturers.

“Leaked information shows the drug giants will gain exclusive rights to look at Pharmac decision making, and even sit in on meetings.

“They have already been given the TPPA details, which have been hidden from everyone else.

“The latest leak says Pharmac decisions could trigger lawsuits against the government by the big drug companies. We’ve already had the Saudi debacle in which the government paid a bribe to two businessmen. At the same time the Prime Minister claims we can’t stop Koreans buying land here because of the free trade agreement.

“That’s why New Zealand First is determined to stop any future governments signing agreements that allow corporations to sue us, which is what our Bill, Fighting Foreign Corporate Control, is all about.”

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/member/2015/0014/latest/DLM6415502.html?src=qs

ENDS

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