Source: MIL-OSI Submissions
Source: Cancer Society
Lucy Elwood, CEO of the Cancer Society of New Zealand says:
“Every day we see the stress caused to patients and their whānau when time is running out, they are aware of drugs funded elsewhere (such as Australia) and are waiting for Pharmac to make a decision to fund.”
“This a major milestone in a review that is absolutely crucial – it is our first independent look at Pharmac’s systems and processes since Pharmac was created over 25 years ago.”
“We sincerely hope the final report is stronger. In New Zealand there is an ever-growing chasm between those who can and cannot fund unfunded drugs. The inequity and financial toxicity for patients accessing treatments that are considered “standard of care” in comparable health care systems (like NHS in the UK) is huge and growing larger every day.”
About the Cancer Society of New Zealand
The Cancer Society of New Zealand is the country’s leading organisation dedicated to reducing the incidence of cancer and ensuring the best cancer care for New Zealanders. We are committed to working with communities and decision makers by providing leadership and advocacy in cancer control, with core services in information and support, research and health promotion.
