You are one
diagnosis away from moving to Australia.
There is an unfunded
medicine crisis in
New Zealand.
Our politicians
need to act now
to save lives.
Across New Zealand, countless lives are tethered to hope, and their survival hinges on accessing new and breakthrough medicines that are publicly funded elsewhere in the OECD.
MyLifeMatters is a collective of patient advocate organisations representing more than 1 million patients with cancers, rare disorders, diabetes, and other life limiting conditions calling for the New Zealand Government to tackle the issue of investment and timely access to new and breakthrough medicines for the people of New Zealand.
New Zealand is dead last!
We are lagging well behind other comparable OECD countries, with New Zealand 32nd of a list of 32 OECD countries for public funding of medicines.
Medicines are a core part of the backbone of healthcare.
With increased investment and timely access to medicines New Zealand has an opportunity to ease the pressure on our over-burdened health system and meet the growing needs of the population.
We urgently need a plan for New Zealand to keep pace with the rest of the OECD in investment and access to ensure equitable and fair treatment options.
Why do medicines matter?
Timely access to new and breakthrough medicines:
New Zealand’s Government must expedite pathways for evaluating and approving these treatments which can significantly improve patient outcomes, survival rates, and help to reduce the pressure on New Zealand’s overburdened health system.
Pharmac’s role and funding:
Pharmac plays a pivotal role in the management of medicines access, with decisions primarily driven by costs and little consideration given to societal factors. There also needs to be an urgent and clear plan to implement the findings of the Pharmac Review to address the significant shortcomings in Pharmac’s performance.
Financial burden on patients:
Many Kiwis are struggling to privately fund the medicines they need, forced to leave New Zealand, or go without the treatment they desperately need. This burden is particularly hard on vulnerable communities, leading to adverse health outcomes, and reduced quality of life.
What are we asking for?
Increased investment and timely access to medicines to cater to the growing healthcare needs of the New Zealand population, and to keep up with the rest of the OECD.
Patient-focused wellbeing benefits being included in decision-making processes on medicines investment by the New Zealand Government.
From the voice of patients
“Our most vulnerable are suffering and dying prematurely.
Stop being so cost-focused, value them,
and their welfare.
If the rest of the OECD can do it so can we.”
#ComeOnNZParliament
Theresa Zame, stage 4 lung cancer patient who is self-funding the medicine she needs for quality of life.
MyLifeMatters is a collective of patient advocate organisations representing more than 1 million patients with cancers, rare disorders, diabetes, and other life limiting conditions.
We stand together in the pursuit of equitable access to medicines.
Become a Supporter
If you are an organisation or individual and you would like to be a part of #MyLifeMatters, please get in touch with Malcolm Mulholland by email at mylifemattersNZ@gmail.com.
Take Action
Ready to take action? If you’re a patient, a family member, friend, or Member of Parliament, you can inform yourself and do something about the state of medicines access in Aotearoa.