Media statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 30 August 2005

Plans for Pharmac review vindicated

United Future Leader Peter Dunne has hailed a survey showing most New Zealanders want an independent review of Pharmac as vindication for his campaign over the last year to reform the medicines agency.

The UMR Insight survey of 750 voters reveals that 68% want an independent review of Pharmac, while 50% said New Zealanders had worse access to medicines than Australians.

“The most damning indictment is that just 20% were confident that Pharmac struck the right balance between meeting healthcare needs and affordability.

“United Future has already made a commitment to review the role and operations of Pharmac, to ensure that not only are pharmaceuticals made available at the most competitive price, but also that the interests of individual patients are taken into account when funding decisions are made.

“We will also develop a national medicines strategy to ensure quality use of pharmaceuticals, and to ensure that New Zealanders have access to the most up to date drugs.”

Mr Dunne also expressed surprise that National has come out in favour of a review.

“They’ve been completely silent on this issue, leaving me to cop the flak for challenging the way Pharmac operates. Election campaigns are funny things aren’t they?” said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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