2nd Annual New Zealand Pharmaceutical Management Agency Forum 9 October 2009; Wellington, New Zealand

摘要

The New Zealand Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) is a government agency, which, as its main role, decides which prescription drugs will be publicly funded in the primary healthcare system. To make funding decisions, the agency uses various decision criteria including: 1 the health needs of the population; 2 particular health needs of Maori and Pacific peoples; 3 availability and suitability of existing interventions; 4 clinical benefits and risks; 5 economic analysis; and 6 budget impact. PHARMAC has a unique role in that not only does it make decisions/recommendations on what drugs should be funded, but it is also charged with negotiating prices with the pharmaceutical manufacturer and works within a resource-constrained budget. As part of price negotiation, the agency offers sole supply rights for generic medicines through a tendering process (usually for a period of 3 years); enters risk sharing agreements with pharmaceutical companies to minimize uncertainty over the budget impact of a medicine and employs reference pricing. In addition to its role in managing the pharmaceutical budget within the publically-funded healthcare system, the agency is also charged with promoting the optimal use of medicines through public campaigns and engaging with healthcare professionals. In addition, PHARMAC also has a consumer advisory committee to obtain the views of patients and consumers. As part of the agency's commitment to engage with all stakeholders (manufacturers, healthcare professionals, patients and advocacy groups), the first annual PHARMAC Forum was held in 2007. This report summarizes the second Forum held in Wellington, New Zealand, in October 2009.