Politics

A 2022 REPORT on access to cancer drugs was never meant to be used to provide a list of medicines that should be funded, Cancer Control Agency Te Aho o Te Kahu chief executive Rami Rahal says.

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

Health will get a significant funding boost of $16.68 billion across three Budgets as part of our plan to invest in frontline services such as emergency departments, primary care, medicines and public health to ensure New Zealanders can get the healthcare they deserve, Health Minister Dr Shane Reti says

Budget 2024 sets out the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy, ease the cost of living, deliver better health and education services and restore law and order, says Finance Minister Nicola Willis

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says Budget 2024 delivers on the Government’s promises, with savings across the public sector being reinvested in frontline services and meaningful tax reductions to support hard-working Kiwis

A long-serving health official says the increase in bureaucracy at Te Whatu Ora is “out of control”, despite the rest of the public service facing drastic cutbacks

Health minister Shane Reti appears to be distancing himself from fallout arising from a Ministry of Health proposal to axe the Suicide Prevention Office

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. 

Associate health minister Casey Costello is seeking approval from Cabinet to repeal the Therapeutic Products Act this week 

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 at Parliament on 20 February