National Promises to Increase Funding for Medicine

Media Release Below:

National Promises to Increase Funding for Medicines

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) welcomes the announcement from the National Party that, if elected to lead the next government, there will be an increase in funding for medicines.

NZNO has been lobbying for a review of the funding level as well as greater transparency in decision making processes since 2007. "We are extremely pleased that National would direct more money into the medicines and improve the access to innovative and new medicines. " Susanne Trim NZNO Professional Services Manager said.

"We do believe that there needs to be a clear framework developed to ensure appropriate decisions are made about publicly funded medicines. In the interests of transparency the decision-making processes should be separated into three areas: a clinical review of safety and efficacy; a cost benefit analysis; and the funding decision."

NZNO believe that it is not appropriate for elected officials to be determining which medications are funded. Clinical decisions should not to be made into political footballs but be based on evidence and transparent processes. The Herceptin debate has thrown into stark relief the need to separate clinical and funding decisions. The lack of transparency has increased public distress, anxiety and confusion.

The NZNO is looking forward to publication of the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) report on Herceptin which we understand is due for release in February 2009.

ENDS

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