Election 2023

Government ministers are rushing for cover in the wake of widespread criticism of the Budget’s failure to deliver on an election promise of funding for 13 cancer drugs

A LAW CHANGE THAT will allow pseudoephedrine cold and flu products to be sold by pharmacists again has taken another step forward.

Cutting one in four staff at the Ministry of Health will potentially be “punishing” for remaining staff and result in valuable skills being lost, a health systems academic says

A law change that will allow pseudoephedrine cold and flu products to be sold by pharmacists again has taken another step forward

The health select committee has recommended that the legislation to return pseudoephedrine to pharmacy shelves proceed to its second reading without changes

During the election, the National Party pledged to fund 13 cancer treatments if elected. But New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa understands at least six have already been, or recommended to be, declined or haven’t even been registered with Pharmac for approval

The ACT Party’s election promise to return pseudoephedrine to pharmacy shelves is one step closer to fruition after the law change passed its first reading in Parliament on 20 February.

Two organisations have called for a real-time monitoring system to stop addicts or drug manufacturers shopping around for the precursor to methamphetamine

ACT Party leader David Seymour has heard from pharmacists who are worried about the ban on pseudoephedrine being lifted, but says most people are glad they could have it at their disposal again in future

Pharmac board chair Steve Maharey has resigned