The government's increased investment in Pharmac is leading to greater access to medicines for Kiwis, with new treatments becoming available.
Associate Health Minister David Seymour says the Government's allocation of $6.294 billion over four years has enabled significant changes, including the funding of new cancer drugs and other medicines. As a result, an estimated 112 patients will gain access to Lenvatinib for thyroid, liver, and kidney cancers from today. Additionally, around 18,000 people with chronic heart failure are expected to benefit from empagliflozin within five years.
Other treatments funded include β-hCG low sensitivity urine test kits, which will allow an estimated 9,300 women to self-test their abortion's effectiveness at home instead of undergoing a blood test. People with ADHD will also be able to access Lisdexamfetamine, providing an alternative treatment option.
Seymour emphasizes the Government's commitment to building a world-class health system by ensuring access to top-notch medicines. Pharmac operates independently but works within the budget constraints set by the government, which has allocated its largest ever budget to address the $1.7 billion funding hole and increase medicine access when it took office.