Pharmac Welcomes Ptac Appointment

Pharmac Welcomes Ptac Appointment

PHARMAC Medical Director Peter Moodie has welcomed the appointment of Taranaki general practitioner and lecturer Tony Ruakere to PHARMAC’s medical advisory committee, the Pharmacology and Therapeutics Advisory Committee (PTAC).

Dr Ruakere’s appointment was made by Director-General of Health Karen Poutasi.

Of Taranaki and Te Atiawa iwi, Dr Ruakere’s appointment is consistent with PHARMAC’s Maori Responsiveness Strategy in having a suitably qualified person with background and knowledge of Maori issues appointed to key advisory bodies.

“I am delighted that Dr Ruakere has been appointed to this important clinical body,” says PHARMAC Medical Director Peter Moodie.

“He has extensive experience in practical and academic medicine that make him an outstanding appointment to PTAC.

“In addition Dr Ruakere’s excellent networks among the Maori community and his knowledge and experience of the particular health issues facing Maori will bring a new cross-cultural dimension to the deliberations of PTAC.”

Dr Ruakere currently practices at New Plymouth’s Te Atiawa Medical Centre. He also lectures at the University of Otago Medical School, is a member of the Taranaki DHB Board, a member of the Medical Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal, and a member of the competency review panel for the New Zealand Medical Council.

His past experience includes being Chief Advisor Maori Health for the Ministry of Health, and a member of the Maori Health Commission.

His experience in rural, urban and iwi medical practices extends back to 1972.

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