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| Cautious optimism to news of expanded PHARMAC role |
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Arthritis New Zealand has expressed cautious optimism over the announcement of an expanded role for PHARMAC. In addition to its responsibility for purchasing community pharmaceuticals PHARMAC will take over the hospital pharmaceutical funding including exceptional circumstances purchasing.
“There are advantages in having one purchaser in gaining consistency across the country.” says Sandra Kirby, Chief Executive of Arthritis New Zealand.
“Arthritis New Zealand has been concerned for some time about the differences in access to biologic medications depending on the DHB area. Provided the access to medicines such as an alternative biologic treatment when the first one fails is improved across the country, then this is great news. If the access is lowered to the least possible then it is a disaster for arthritis sufferers.”
There are more than half a million arthritis sufferers in New Zealand and 140 different arthritis conditions. Arthritis is the single greatest cause of disability in New Zealand, and has no known cure.
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