16 April 2019 - Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern admits work needs to be done on PHARMAC's early access scheme, but believes its decisions are affected by more than just the money it has.

Last week the Government came under fire for blocking an inquiry by the Health Select Committee into PHARMAC, after concerns were raised about its timeliness and ability to fund life-saving breast cancer drugs Ibrance and Kadcyla.

Health Minister David Clark earlier said he had written to the drug-buying agency asking it to consider the transparency and timeliness of its processes, but ultimately stood by the model.

Ardern told The AM Show on Tuesday she had asked the Minister to look in to early access to drugs, but agreed most elements of the PHARMAC model were "exemplary".

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