Faster approvals for medicines available overseas under new law
The legislation will give the health minister the power to approve, reject or transfer medication applications
Apr
2025
2
Apr
2025
1
Popular weight-loss drug Wegovy receives approval in New Zealand
A popular weight-loss drug used by celebrities overseas has been approved by New Zealand’s medicine regulatory body, with its producer hoping to make it accessible “as soon as possible”.
Mar
2025
30
The development of a discrete choice experiment: Investigating pharmacy selection in New Zealand
Discrete choice experiments (DCEs) provide a method for understanding preferences for service provision and there have been limited applications to the selection of community pharmacies. The validity and accuracy of DCEs rely upon the attributes and levels used. This paper aims to describe the development of a DCE investigating New Zealanders preferences for community pharmacies.
Mar
2025
30
Medicines Amendment Bill
The purpose of this bill is to increase patients' access to medicines by reducing some of the barriers to access currently in the Medicines Act 1981.
Mar
2025
24
Medical Council working on new guidelines for use of AI
The Medical Council is expected to release new guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence before the end of the year, according to board member Stephen Child.
Mar
2025
17
Briefing to the Incoming Minister of Health January 2025
Following a change of Minister, the Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora, produces a Briefing to the Incoming Minister of Health, as is usual practice.
Mar
2025
12
Years-long delays to access ‘life-changing’ diabetes technology
Thousands of New Zealanders living with type 1 diabetes face a frustrating wait for potentially life-changing technology, despite a recent announcement from Pharmac that continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps are now fully funded.
Mar
2025
10
Patients accuse Pharmac of ‘cruelty’ and lacking respect
Some patients and advocacy groups see Pharmac as "slow to respond", "highly defensive" and "lacking respect" for them, according to an independent report released by the drug-funding agency today.
Mar
2025
10
Pharmac Consumer Engagement Workshop Report welcomed
Associate Health Minister David Seymour has today welcomed the publication of Pharmac’s Consumer Engagement Workshop Report.
Mar
2025
7
Strategic Approach to Immunisation in New Zealand 2025–2030
Immunisation is a highly successful public health intervention. It safeguards individuals, whānau and communities against a range of potentially devastating diseases, and is a critical way of preventing and controlling infectious disease outbreaks. An accessible and effective immunisation system maximises immunisation uptake and coverage, improving the health of the population and enabling pae ora – healthy futures.
Key issues
HEALTH SERVICES AND SYSTEMS
Covering developments in the provision, funding and organisation of health care services.
EQUITY
Exploring the impacts of the health system on minorities within the population, notably including Māori, Pacifica, Asians and LGBTQI.
DRUGS, DEVICE AND DIAGNOSTICS
Covering prescription medicines and medical devices.
PUBLIC HEALTH
Focusing on efforts to promote health and prevent disease through social and economic interventions.
DIGITAL HEALTH
Exploring the potential digital transformation to provide a more connected and accessible health system.
TE TIRITI
Monitoring how the health reforms and the performance of the health sector uphold Te Tiriti obligations.