Source: PHARMAC
New Zealand health agencies are keeping a close watch on developments to identify and manage any emerging risks early.
“Our priority is ensuring people can continue to access the medicines, and medical devices they need,” says Chief Advisor Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin.
“New Zealand’s medicines and medical device supply has proven resilient through major global disruptions, and we are well placed to manage any emerging pressures.”
Pharmac regularly manages over 100 medicine and medical device supply issues at any one time, most of which have little or no impact on patients.
Our contracts require most suppliers to hold a certain amount of stock in New Zealand at any given time, and suppliers are required to tell Pharmac if their stock levels are going to drop below this level.
When a supply issue is identified, we develop a comprehensive management plan. This includes assessing how long the disruption may last, whether an alternative funded medicine or medical device is suitable, the availability of that alternative, if we need to source the medicine or medical device from a different supplier, and how it is used in clinical practice.
We assess each supply issue on a case-by-case basis, as every situation is unique and can have a different level of impact. Some disruptions may affect a large number of people but have a relatively small impact, while others may impact a smaller group but have more significant or serious effects.
“We do our best to anticipate supply issues, let people who might be affected know as early as possible, and proactively work with suppliers and wholesalers to resolve them,” says Martin.
“Our priority is doing everything we can to make sure that people can continue to access the medicines and medical devices they need, when they need them.”
Our website is kept up to date with information about supply issues, including a filter for issues related to the Middle East conflict.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/24/ensuring-continued-access-to-medicines-and-medical-devices-for-new-zealanders/