Senior citizens should be told of medicine choice
new-zealand-labour-party
Wed Mar 25 2009 13:00:00 GMT+1300 (New Zealand Daylight Time)
Senior citizens should be told of medicine choice
Wednesday, 25 March 2009, 1:06 pm
Speech: New Zealand Labour Party
Ross Robertson
Senior Citizens Spokesperson
25 March 2009 **Media Statement
**
Senior citizens should be told they have a choice of medicines
In a speech to the Wellington AGM of Grey Power, Labour spokesperson for Senior Citizens Ross Robertson has reminded the group that tough times lie ahead for the rapidly-approaching baby boomer population blip.
“The costs of health and disability support services increase significantly with age, and while older people may be healthier for longer today, the rapid growth in the number and proportion of older people from now on in will inevitably put pressure on health funding,” Ross Robertson said.
“The Labour Government had a proud record of delivering support services to our older population. However, I now see my role as holding the new Government to account to ensure policies are not unravelled and senior citizens can continue to receive the support they need and deserve.
“A matter I have already identified as an issue is the arbitrary decisions by PHARMAC to move thousands of older people from medicines they know and trust to generic versions. Two current good examples are Lipex and Losec – medicines that many senior citizens will be familiar with.
“Of course PHARMAC has to source medicines at the best price possible, but the fact that the elderly can be fearful of change can lead to confusion and resistance,” Ross Robertson said.
“My point is choice. My constituents tell me pharmacists are switching them to the new variety of Losec without telling them they can still get the old one, albeit at a cost.
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“The simple courtesy of telling people that a choice exists is surely not too hard for pharmacists. And it shouldn’t be too hard either for the Government, through PHARMAC, to ensure that senior citizens are made aware a choice exists,” Ross Robertson said.
“I am taking this issue to the Minister as I believe that choice is a huge issue for older people, and that the Government is obliged to ensure that vulnerable people know they do have a choice.”
ENDS
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