Access to Innovative Pharmaceutical Medicines in New Zealand

This report documents the current state of access to innovative pharmaceutical medicines in New Zealand, commissioned by Bristol Myers Squibb Australia/New Zealand. Authored by Peter Boyes, the review aims to contribute to public discourse on the challenges and opportunities in this area. It outlines key findings that indicate slower access to medicines in New Zealand compared to other countries, with significant delays between approval and funding. The report identifies budget constraints as a limiting factor for new therapies and emphasizes the need for improved transparency and consumer engagement in decision-making processes. Health equity issues are also highlighted, noting that delayed access disproportionately affects Māori, Pacific peoples, and rural communities. The review proposes five priority areas for improvement, including expanding the pharmaceutical budget, modernizing processes, and enhancing national productivity. It calls for collaboration among various stakeholders to ensure a responsive and equitable healthcare system that can effectively deliver innovative medicines to all New Zealanders.