Dr Lynda Scott National Health Spokesperson
10 November 2002
Drugs funding is paying for hospital deficits
National Health Spokesperson Dr Lynda Scott says she is appalled that the Government is taking money from the
pharmaceutical budget to pay off the record deficits it has created in our hospitals
The Pharmaceutical Management Agency's Annual Report shows that a $23 million surplus went towards offsetting the huge
hospital deficit and toward other health services.
"Using this surplus to bail out underfunded health boards has deprived New Zealanders access to new drugs. New
Zealanders in need who would usually have the benefit of that funding are missing out.
"Alzheimer's suffers, those with osteoporosis, arthritis and mental health problems have all missed out because this
money has been used for other health services.
"Pharmac should have been able to put away funding for drugs they have been negotiating on, like Glivec just approved
for chronic myeloid leukaemia patients. Instead $23 million has gone to help pay off the record hospital deficit the
Health Minister has encouraged boards to rack up.
"This is the price New Zealanders are paying for record hospital deficits," said Dr Scott.
Ends