Source: PHARMAC
Following feedback, Pharmac has decided not to proceed with a proposal to decline some low-ranked applications on the Options for Investment (OFI) list.
In October, Pharmac consulted on a proposal to decline applications that have remained in the lowest-ranked group for more than two years. The aim was to provide greater transparency about which medicines are unlikely to be funded and why.
“We heard from many people – clinicians, patient advocates, individuals, and suppliers – and we’ve listened carefully,” says Pharmac’s Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin.
“People told us that while they understood our aim was to improve transparency, they did not want us to remove funding applications from the OFI.”
Feedback highlighted that people want clear, public information about where medicines sit on the OFI list and why, decisions based on updated evidence – not where the medicine is on the OFI, and assurance that changes to how the OFI is managed do not disadvantage Māori, Pacific peoples, rural communities, or people with rare disorders.
“People also told us they want medicines to stay on the list to maintain hope for future funding,” says Martin. “We listened carefully and appreciate the time and thought that went into this feedback.”
At this stage, Pharmac is not proposing any changes to how it manages the OFI list.
Improving transparency and timeliness of the medicine funding application process remains a focus for Pharmac and our Consumer and Patient Working Group. Broader work is now underway as part of the Reset Programme, focusing on improvements to the current process and potential future changes.
“We want to thank everyone who took the time to share their feedback. It really matters to us and has a direct impact on the decisions we make,” says Martin.
