Working to make the best use of pharmacists and greater access to new medicines are the next steps for New Zealand's medicine strategy, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne says.Today he released the updated action plan for the strategy, Actioning Medici
Working to make the best use of pharmacists and greater access to new medicines are the next steps for New Zealand's medicine strategy, Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne says.
Today he released the updated action plan for the strategy, Actioning Medicines New Zealand 2010.
Mr Dunne said he was delighted with the work done so far to improve the quality, safety and best use of medicines.
"We've made considerable progress on these areas already and we expect to make more this year."
The updated strategy focused on minor law changes to balance consumer protection with greater access to new medicines, working with the Pharmaceutical Society to ensure New Zealand was making the best use of its highly trained pharmacist workforce.
Work was also continuing on improving access to expensive, specialised medicines, providing independent information about medicines for health practitioners and extending Pharmac's role to reduce costs from hospital medicines, vaccines and some medical devices, Mr Dunne said.
"I am looking to build on the success of the strategy to date, and will continue to emphasise the central roles that medicines play in the health system," he said.
Developing a medicine strategy is part of the Government's confidence and supply agreement with United Future with the aims of ensuring quality medicines are provided, access to medicines is not based on how much a person can afford, and making the best use of medicines.
