Dr Lynda Scott
National Health Spokeswoman
22 April 2004
Stagnant drug budget sees patients suffer
New Zealanders' tolerance for having medicines changed continually is staggering, says National's Health spokeswoman Dr
Lynda Scott.
Government's sole drug funding agency, PHARMAC, is considering replacing Lipitor, the most prescribed and evidenced as
the most effective cholesterol-reducing drug available, with a similar cheaper drug, Lipix. It is a decision that is
being criticised by leading cardiologists.
Dr Scott says the Government has backed PHARMAC into a corner over the decision.
"For the three years to 2003, government funding for PHARMAC remained stagnant, at $512 million per year. There is an
increasing demand for drugs, as well as price increases yet the budget has remained the same
"Thousands of people are suffering from high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease paying the price for reduced access
to very effective medication.
Dr Scott says changing the drug may reduce costs in the short-term, but in the long term costs will increase.
"A less effective drug can lead to increased hospitalisations, more drugs for patients, and expensive surgery further
down the track.
"PHARMAC and the Government must put the best interests of patients first, not just the short-term bottom line, when
making this decision", says Dr Scott.
"This decision needs to be reconsidered in light of criticism from leading cardiologists on behalf of their patients".
Ends