Source: PHARMAC
A multiproduct agreement, which took effect on 1 December last year, is delivering significant benefits for patients and the health system – freeing up thousands of infusion hours and helping services run more efficiently.
Under the agreement Pharmac is funding five treatments for multiple sclerosis, breast cancer, lung cancer and serious eye conditions.
Vice President of Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand, Graham Walker, says the new treatments are a ‘game changer’.
“I got a text the other day from a friend in Christchurch who said his treatment had taken an hour, starting from his arrival at the hospital to catching the bus home. He thought it was marvellous.”
“There’s also a lot of people that have trouble getting treatment simply because there’s no room at the infusion centre. Now six or seven people can be treated in the time it took to treat one. That’s huge!”
The agreement with pharmaceutical supplier Roche includes two new treatments, more convenient versions of existing medicines, and continued access to an already funded treatment
“We were able to fund new medicines through this agreement, but what I’m most pleased about is the impact the new and improved existing treatments will have on people’s lives,” says Pharmaceutical Director, Adrienne Martin.
“The new injectable treatments can be completed in 15 minutes compared to 3-5 hours for intravenous infusions.
The reduction in infusion times is expected to save the health system $11 million over five years. It will also ease pressure on hospital services and improve access for patients who previously faced long wait times.
Read Decision to fund treatments for multiple sclerosis, eye conditions, breast cancer and lung cancer for more details.
