Source: New Zealand Government
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown have today welcomed Pharmac’s decision to expand access to funded cancer treatments for adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers.
“For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely. That’s why it has been a focus of this Government,” Mr Seymour says.
From 14 October Pharmac will:
Expand access under Rule 8.1(b) of the Pharmaceutical Schedule to eligible adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers who meet the approved eligibility criteria.
Enable eligible adolescents and young adults with a paediatric-origin cancer to access funded cancer medicines regardless of whether they receive treatment through a paediatric or adult haematology/oncology service.
Provide a clearer and more consistent pathway to funded cancer treatment for adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers.
“Currently, some young people with paediatric-origin cancers receive the same or very similar treatment as children but may have different access to funded medicines depending on whether they are treated in a paediatric or adult haematology/oncology service,” Mr Seymour says.
“This common-sense change will mean eligible adolescents and young adults with paediatric-origin cancers can access funded cancer medicines regardless of whether they receive care in a paediatric or adult oncology/haematology service.
“Pharmac estimate around 15 adolescents and young adults each year will become eligible for funded treatment through this change.
“Pharmac reviewed Rule 8.1(b) in 2023. During consultation Pharmac heard clearly from clinicians and the families of children and adolescent cancer patients that Rule 8.1(b) needed to work better for patients. Now we’re fixing that. Today’s decision gives effect to the final recommendation of that review.
“Pharmac has worked closely with clinical experts and cancer sector stakeholders to ensure the change is practical and supports improved health outcomes for young people with cancer.”
Mr Brown says the change will give young people with cancer, and their families, greater certainty at an incredibly difficult time.
“Young Kiwis with cancer should get treatment based on their clinical needs, not on which service they happen to be treated in. This change makes that simpler and fairer,” Mr Brown says.
“Moving from children’s to adult health services is already a big change for a young person. It shouldn’t also change which medicines they can access.
“Timely access to cancer treatment is a priority for this Government. That’s why faster cancer treatment is one of our health targets, and a clear, consistent pathway to funded medicines supports that goal.
“I want to acknowledge the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Network Aotearoa and the young people with lived experience of cancer I’ve had the privilege of meeting, whose strong advocacy has helped make this happen.
“I also want to thank the families, clinicians, and patient advocates who pushed for this change. Their voices have helped build a stronger system for young New Zealanders with cancer.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/10/02/patient-community-helps-improve-access-to-paediatric-cancer-medicines-for-young-kiwis/