23 October 2008
RMI Media Release
“Funding for medicines welcomed”
“The Researched Medicines Industry welcomes John Key’s announcement that a National-led Government would provide New
Zealanders with better access to medicines” says RMI Chairman, Dr Pippa MacKay.
“The recognition that many New Zealanders have needlessly suffered through having limited access to modern medicines and
this commitment to boost funding is a major advancement that could bring significant improvements to the lives of
thousands of New Zealanders.
“An initial increase of $40million in year one over existing funding levels rising to $80million in year three will go a
long way towards ensuring that finally New Zealanders can have access to those medicines that have received a positive
recommendation for funding based on a clinical assessment of the benefits that they can deliver” said Pippa MacKay.
“Doctors, patient groups, and the pharmaceutical industry will be delighted with the opportunities that this
announcement and commitment represents” concluded Pippa MacKay.
ENDS