ZB ZB
Opinion
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

New report leaves Pharmac chair questioning agency's communications with patients

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 10 Mar 2025, 4:38pm
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

New report leaves Pharmac chair questioning agency's communications with patients

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Mon, 10 Mar 2025, 4:38pm

Pharmac's board chair says the drug buying agency has a management issue with listening to patient voices.

A review of consumer engagement with the Government agency finds it's seen as 'defensive'.

It also says Pharmac's slow to respond and lacks respect for patient advocates.

Chair Paula Bennett says the organisation had become insular and inward-looking - more often than not.

"And instead of proactively having what are really awkward and uncomfortable and difficult conversations with people when we're saying - I'm sorry, I can't fund your medicine. But at least doing that in an open and transparent way is what we expect." 

LISTEN ABOVE

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you