6 July 2016 - After listening to what New Zealanders had to say, PHARMAC has changed the way it makes decisions - the most significant change to its decision making in its 23 year history.

“This is a big improvement and an exciting change for PHARMAC; one that wouldn’t have been possible without public engagement,” says PHARMAC Chief Executive Steffan Crausaz. “The public’s views were essential as the way we make decisions affects nearly every New Zealander.”

PHARMAC has worked with a wide range of stakeholders on the change, including patients, clinicians, care-givers and consumers; PHARMAC held nationwide forums in order to consult with as many community groups as possible.

“This change has been collaborative, and reflects the considerable input of the public to our consultation.”

Crausaz says PHARMAC considers a wide range of issues when making difficult funding decisions. The central dilemmas are always about balancing different patient needs across different treatment areas, often with different levels of information and evidence. PHARMAC’s job is to make responsible choices on behalf of all New Zealanders; the factors help guide these decisions.

View PHARMAC press release