More than 10,000 New Zealanders have added their names to an open letter calling on the next Government to solve New Zealand’s medicines access crisis, as new polling conducted by Talbot Mills shows strong voter support for its key asks.
The open letter asks party leaders to commit publicly before the election to:
- Fund the medicines New Zealand needs.
Set a long-term plan so we stop falling behind the countries we compare ourselves with.
Polling results shows that these commitments could also influence how New Zealanders vote in the upcoming election.
82% of respondents said it was important to fund medicines recommended by Pharmac, with 71% indicating that such a commitment would make them more likely to vote for that party.
Similarly, 85% said it was important to establish a long-term plan to bring New Zealand’s medicines access closer to comparable countries, with 73% indicating that this commitment would make them more likely to vote for that party.
Support was evident among National, Labour, ACT, Green and NZ First voters, showing that improving access to medicines cuts across party lines.
Despite a significant uplift in in medicines funding in 2024, the lack of sustained investment has meant that New Zealand is still struggling to keep pace with the medicines routinely available in comparable countries. This is reflected in declining public confidence in medicines access.
In 2021, 46% of respondents to a Patient Voice Aotearoa survey were confident that they, or someone they knew, could access the best medicine available if diagnosed with a disease or condition. Today, that figure is 41%.
Taken together, the findings send a clear message: New Zealanders across the political spectrum want greater investment in medicines and a credible, long-term plan to improve access.
The open letter forms part of the Forbidden Pharmacy campaign, a collaboration between 17 patient organisations representing New Zealanders living with cancer, rare disorders, chronic illnesses and other serious health conditions.
Launched as the election debate intensifies around the cost of living, the campaign highlights another cost faced by many New Zealanders: the cost of medicines that could improve or extend their lives but remain out of reach because they are not publicly funded.
Through the campaign, patients have shared what the medicines access gap means for their health, finances, families and futures.
One of those patients is 39-year-old Amanda Broughton. Like many New Zealanders, Amanda wants to be present for her children and have the health to enjoy everyday life. Instead, her friends and family helped fundraise more than $100,000 for a treatment that is routinely available through comparable public health systems.
“This isn't even about me. It's my children, my parents, my siblings, and everyone in my community. It's people after me who will get cancer. It's feeling like your life has some value. You just want to live long enough to get old. It's kind of as simple – and as boring – as that.
"You go on give a little and every second page is someone raising money for treatment that is free in Australia. Aren't we embarrassed?"
Tim Edmonds, campaign spokesperson, says the call for change extends beyond those currently navigating the health system.
“Most New Zealanders will need medicines at some point, whether for themselves or someone they love. They expect our health system to be there when that time comes, with access to modern treatments that can improve, extend or save lives.”
Edmonds says the open letter presents political parties with an opportunity to address a long-standing issue and strengthen the health system for current and future generations.
“More than 10,000 people have put their names behind a simple expectation: the next Government must fund the medicines New Zealand needs and establish a credible, long-term plan to stop us falling further behind.”
“The public wants action on medicines access, and this polling shows it will be an important consideration for many New Zealanders when they vote.”
For more information, visit www.forbiddenpharmacy.org
