Proposal relating to the funding of certain pharmaceuticals in DHB hospitals and in the community -

PHARMAC is seeking feedback on a proposal relating to the establishment of a nationally-consistent list of pharmaceuticals to be funded within DHB hospitals. This list would be published in Part II of Section H of the Pharmaceutical Schedule from 1 July 2013. As a related issue, it is also seeking feedback on changes to the funding of some pharmaceuticals in the community: de-listings and changes to subsidy criteria, as a flow-on effect of this proposal.

This consultation refers to the creation of the final six therapeutic groups within Section H:

• Blood and Blood-Forming Organs (haematology, intravenous fluids, vitamins and minerals)
• Extemporaneous Compounds (suspending agents, solvents and active ingredients in powder form)
• Oncology Agents and Immunosuppressants (oncology, haematology, transplant medicine)
• Special Foods (oral and enteral nutrition)
• Vaccines
• Various (antidotes, diagnostic agents, surgical preparations)

While these headings primarily relate to pharmaceuticals that are used for the purposes indicated above, this is not always the case.

Link to consultation document: http://www.pharmac.health.nz/ckeditor_assets/attachments/261/consultation-hospital-pharmaceuticals-2013-02.pdf

FEEDBACK DUE: 19 March 2013 to Policy Analyst: marilynh@nzno.org.nz