Update on Pharmac engagement and work
Date:
28 September 2022
To:
Hon Peeni Henare (Associate Minister of Health)
Copies to:
Minister of Health
Director General of Health
Pharmac Board
Principal Advisor, Crown Entity Monitoring and Appointments, Ministry
of Health
Recommendations
It is recommended you:
note the contents of this report.
Contact(s)
Trevor Simpson, Chief Advisor Māori
s 9(2)(a)
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Purpose
You are meeting with Trevor Simpson, Chief Advisor Māori, Te Pātaka Whaioranga Pharmac
on 28 September for your quarterly meeting. As requested, this briefing introduces some
topics ahead of the korero.
Out of Scope
Diabetes
Type 1
We are actively assessing proposals for continuous glucose monitoring devices, including
reviewing our modelling to incorporate new evidence. We are also reconsidering our insulin
pump funding criteria with a view to improve equity of access.
Type 2
Since early 2021, Pharmac have been funding two new diabetes medicines for New
released under the
Zealanders who are at high risk of heart and kidney complications from type 2 diabetes.
Empagliflozin and dulaglutide both have special authority criteria in place to ensure access
for those most in need. Original estimates were that up to 50,000 people would be eligible for
treatment. The table below shows the total number of people approved for funding to date,
significantly higher than original estimates, and showing that that Māori make up
approximately 25% and Pacific peoples 21% of the people approved to access these new
treatments.
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Out of Scope
Out of Scope
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Concluding comments
With our strategies, commitment to giving effect to te Tiriti, health reforms and the Pharmac
review, this is a very exciting time for Te Pātaka Whaioranga Pharmac. We look forward to
exploring topics of interest to you in our hui.
Trevor Simpson
Chief Māori Advisor
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