Pharmac about-face on new plan

Pharmac has reversed course on removing medications from its Options for Investment list following a public outcry.

In October New Zealand's medicine funding body opened consultation on a proposed change to its operations that would see it decline applications that have remained in the lowest-ranked group for more than two years.

"We heard from many people, clinicians, patient advocates, individuals, and suppliers, and we've listened carefully," Pharmac's Director Pharmaceuticals, Adrienne Martin, said.