National warns of nationwide drug shortage

new-zealand-national-party

Thu Oct 28 2004 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)

National warns of nationwide drug shortage

Thursday, 28 October 2004, 11:07 am
Press Release: New Zealand National Party

National’s Associate Health spokesman, Dr Paul Hutchison, is warning patients suffering from a nationwide drug shortage that things may get worse.

Dr Hutchison has a list of over 30 drugs that chemists say they can’t get for their patients until new supplies arrive or other companies supply them.

He says the controversial drug-purchasing policy of the Government’s drug funding agency, Pharmac, has led to supplies of basic drugs, for conditions such as gout, iron deficiency, and even constipation, literally drying up.

“Chemists I have contacted from Pukekohe to Gore put the shortages down to Pharmac’s purchasing methods, such as ‘sole supply deal’. In effect, Pharmac does a deal with one supplier only, cutting other suppliers out. Even though the supplier should guarantee a continuous supply, in practice, shortages occur as is happening throughout the country now.

“This problem won’t be fixed overnight.

“The shortage may seriously affect thousands of patients with common conditions. For example, for pregnant women who are unable to obtain iron folate supplements, the shortage could lead to anaemia or even birth defects.

“Though Pharmac has served New Zealand well by keeping drug costs down, it is time the organisation was reviewed. But Labour is, once again, not listening.

“Sensible and practical adjustments to Pharmac would benefit all New Zealanders,” says Dr Hutchison.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

a.supporter:hover {background:#EC4438!important;} @media screen and (max-width: 480px) { #byline-block div.byline-block {padding-right:16px;}}

Using Scoop for work?

Scoop is free for personal use, but you’ll need a licence for work use. This is part of our Ethical Paywall and how we fund Scoop. Join today with plans starting from less than $3 per week, plus gain access to exclusive Pro features.

Join Pro Individual Find out more

Find more from New Zealand National Party on InfoPages.