Latest news with #MacGibbon
Scoop
3 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Pharmac Declines Inactive Medicine Applications
Pharmac has declined 48 inactive funding applications so that it is clearer what medicines are currently being considered for funding. Director of Pharmaceuticals, Geraldine MacGibbon, says closing these applications is an important part of making sure Pharmac's work is transparent and easy to understand. 'We want people to know which treatments we are actively considering for funding,' she says. 'We decline applications if other medicines for the same condition have already been funded, making the application irrelevant. 'We also decline them if we have received clinical advice that recommends against funding this medicine, or we've found out that the medicine is unable to be supplied in New Zealand.' MacGibbon says that of the 56 applications assessed, 48 were declined, 1 was withdrawn by the supplier, and 7 remain active as a result of the consultation feedback. 'We're grateful for the feedback we received. Listening to people's personal experiences and perspectives helps us to understand the diverse health needs of our communities. 'I know that it can be disappointing to hear that a medicine is no longer being considered for funding. Declining an application now doesn't prevent us from considering the medicine for funding in the future if new information is provided. 'Our team works hard to make sure the medicines that would benefit New Zealanders move through our processes as quickly as possible.'
Otago Daily Times
09-05-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Feedback sought on proposed Covid-19 medicine changes
At present, Pharmac funds two antivirals for Covid-19 - Paxlovid and Remdesivir. Pharmac is seeking public feedback on a proposal to simplify the criteria for people to receive Covid-19 antiviral medicines. The state drug-buying agency says the change would mean all people aged over 50 who catch Covid-19, and are determined to be at high risk, can be prescribed funded antivirals. At present, Pharmac funds two antivirals for Covid-19 - Paxlovid and Remdesivir. "We're also proposing to change how we manage the funding and supply of these medicines," director of pharmaceuticals Geraldine MacGibbon said. Pharmacies and public hospitals would be able to order what they needed from wholesalers, and claim back the costs from Pharmac. At present, Pharmac buys the antivirals and supplies them to pharmacies and public hospitals at no cost. MacGibbon said the change would align the process for Covid-19 drugs with other funded medicines. "We need your feedback to tell us if this proposal will meet the needs of New Zealanders who need access to this medicine. Your input is valuable to us and has an impact on the decisions we make," MacGibbon said. Consultation was open now until Friday, 30 May. If approved the changes would take effect from 1 September and 1 October. Last year, RNZ reported fewer pharmacists were stocking Covid-19 antiviral medication after funding cuts.
