12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1238 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome Pharmac's decision to fund access to five treatments, including for breast and lung cancer, starting from December 1, 2025. Pharmac's decisions include funding new subcutaneous options for existing IV medicines, two new medicines, and ongoing access to certain treatments. The move aims to make patients' lives easier, reduce strain on the health system, and provide better and faster access to cancer care in New Zealand, aligning with the government's focus on improving cancer management and ensuring better access to cancer medicines.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1154 views
The Medicines Amendment Bill in New Zealand has lifted the prohibition on advertising medicines at medical conferences and trade shows, signaling the country's readiness for business, according to Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown. This change is expected to inject cash into local economies through the Red Tape Tipline and provide Kiwis with increased access to needed medicines. The move is projected to generate $90 million in revenue over the next few years, attracting major medical conferences to New Zealand and fostering economic activity.
12 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1154 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes the passing of the Medicines Amendment Bill, which introduces the 'Rule of Two' for faster approval of medicines with recognition from two overseas jurisdictions. The streamlined verification pathway aims to increase access to medicines for New Zealanders, starting with countries like Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The government prioritizes improving patient outcomes by enhancing access to medicines through initiatives like increased Pharmac funding, patient input in funding decisions, and efficient regulatory processes.
06 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1187 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's progress report against his 2024/25 Letter of Expectations, emphasizing the importance of patient input and transparency in decision-making processes. Pharmac has made strides in meeting expectations, such as enhancing consumer engagement, collaborating with health sector partners, and improving organizational culture and stakeholder sentiment tracking. The report highlights achievements, including increased funding and efforts to deliver better healthcare services for New Zealanders, signaling a positive shift in Pharmac's direction under the current government.
29 Oct 2025
12 months ago
1254 views
Pharmac's Reset Programme, part of a five-year plan, is progressing well with the completion of the first 90-day action plan, focusing on transparency and accountability in funding decisions for pharmaceuticals. Associate Health Minister David Seymour emphasizes the importance of involving patients, families, and clinicians in decision-making processes to improve the patient-Pharmac relationship. The Consumer and Patient Working Group, chaired by Dr. Malcolm Mulholland, plays a key role in providing insight and practical advice to ensure the programme reflects consumer needs, values, and perspectives, with ongoing plans to enhance patient engagement and communication strategies.
14 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1291 views
Cabinet papers reveal upcoming Medical Products Bill changes including the removal of pharmacy ownership restrictions to enhance access to healthcare. The bill will introduce a supervisory pharmacist role and allow advertising of unapproved medicines under certain conditions. Modernizing advertising regulations will provide better access to medical product information while ensuring consumer safety.
04 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1532 views
The New Zealand government is investing over $42 million in a Biodiscovery Platform to develop high-value pharmaceutical and bio-based exports from the country's natural resources. Led by the Bioeconomy Science Institute, this initiative aims to tap into the global market for bio-based products, particularly natural pharmaceuticals, which is expected to exceed $300 billion by 2027. By supporting research, innovation, and commercialization, the platform seeks to create jobs, grow businesses, and strengthen New Zealand's economy in alignment with the country's strategic focus on science and technology.
24 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1224 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown are pleased with Pharmac's negotiations to increase access to medicines, recognizing the significant impact on New Zealanders' health and well-being. Pharmac's proposal includes funding for five new treatments for various conditions, potentially benefiting over 1,700 people in the first year and up to 4,000 by year five. The proposal aims to improve patient care by introducing quicker administration methods, saving hospital infusion hours and freeing up resources for other treatments, while also emphasizing the importance of public consultation in decision-making processes.
19 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1653 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour highlights that Medsafe has been improving its efficiency in approving new medicines, with significant reductions in evaluation timeframes for both innovative and generic medicines. The implementation of initiatives like the Rule of Two and leveraging AI technology are expected to further expedite the approval processes. The focus is on ensuring faster access to vital medications for New Zealanders, with a commitment to a regulatory system that prioritizes timely approval without compromising safety.
11 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1890 views
The Government emphasizes timely, effective, and affordable healthcare for all New Zealanders, viewing health as an investment in societal well-being and economic productivity. Efforts are underway to streamline the medical devices system, address uncertainties, and enhance patient outcomes through strategic decision-making and collaboration between agencies. The goal is to drive innovation, improve access to new technologies, and ensure Pharmac evolves to support broader fiscal and societal objectives, ultimately aiming to deliver better care, increase efficiency, and secure a sustainable future for the healthcare system.
09 Aug 2025
1 year ago
2652 views
Chemotherapy services at Taupō Hospital have expanded to two days a week, doubling operating days for the first time in over 20 years, in response to increased demand driven by government investment in cancer medicines. The investment has enabled broader access to advanced treatments like Keytruda, benefiting patients in Taupō and surrounding areas. Specialist nurses from Rotorua travel to Taupō to administer treatments, reducing travel time and easing the burden on patients and their families, with plans to further expand services to meet growing demand and improve access to cancer care in the region.
31 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2959 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour supports Pharmac's decision to lower the cost of certain funded medicines in order to allocate more funding for new medicines, emphasizing the critical impact of pharmaceutical funding on the lives of New Zealanders. The annual tender process allows Pharmac to save between $30 million and $50 million annually by reducing costs of existing medicines to fund new ones. Pharmac has implemented additional consultation steps in the tender process to gather feedback from patients, healthcare professionals, and advocacy groups, aiming for a more patient-centric approach in decision-making.
22 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2527 views
Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's new consumer working group to improve its collaboration with health consumers, emphasizing the importance of patient input in decision-making processes. The working group, led by Dr. Malcolm Mulholland, includes members representing various health conditions, aiming to reset the relationship between Pharmac and the consumer community. The government's support includes increased funding for Pharmac to negotiate better deals for medicine and enhance access for patients and their families.
21 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2119 views
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has outlined clear expectations for Pharmac to enhance innovation and optimize services for better healthcare delivery to New Zealanders. Pharmac has made improvements in consultation processes, funding criteria adjustments, and appointed new leadership to drive positive change. The focus is on modernizing Pharmac, adopting AI technologies, engaging stakeholders proactively, and increasing transparency to ensure timely access to medicines and medical devices for all Kiwis.
16 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2276 views
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Health Minister Simeon Brown welcome ANZCA and RANZCO medical conferences coming to New Zealand in 2026, with 3300 delegates expected, generating millions in economic activity. ANZCA will bring 1500 delegates, injecting over $3 million, while RANZCO's congress will host 1800 delegates, contributing more than $2 million. The Government's move to end the prohibition on advertising medicines at conferences aims to boost the economy, provide knowledge to medical professionals, and enhance access to healthcare innovations.