Pharmac Minister David Seymour has instructed the drug-buying agency to focus less on the Treaty of Waitangi and more on improving public trust and patient consultation.
In his letter of expectations, Seymour criticised the agency for “burning a lot of energy” on Treaty considerations, which he deemed a misallocation of resources away from Pharmac’s core mission of purchasing drugs and technologies. While ethnicity could be relevant in healthcare delivery, it should not overshadow the agency’s primary goal of delivering health outcomes based on need and robust evidence.
Labour’s health spokeswoman Dr. Ayesha Verrall countered that excluding the Treaty could lead to’ missed opportunities’ for healthcare improvements.
Seymour’s directive also emphasised increasing transparency and considering long-term financial benefits in funding decisions. He called for engaging patients, carers, and advocacy groups more actively in decision-making processes.
Speaking to the Mike Hosking Breakfast show, Pharmac board chairwoman Paula Bennett acknowledged the challenges in achieving transparency due to the nature of contract negotiations but committed to better stakeholder engagement and enhancing public trust within two years. Seymour’s approach, endorsed by Cabinet, aims to reform Pharmac’s funding model to account for long-term fiscal impacts, a move praised by patient advocates who have long criticised the agency’s focus on cost containment over health outcomes.
Health care is about sick people and who is in most urgent need of care, not race….that’s racism………
Good move!
David Seymour is absolutely correct…delivery based on ‘NEED’ should be the priority of Pharmac and additionally this should filter through to ALL aspects of New Zealand life…health, education, housing and focus on reducing crime.
A sensible approach to our 2024 rebuild and refresh in ensuring New Zealand will aspire to returning to the status of being a great country to reside in, with the added bonus of a less divisive feel is great for all New Zealanders.