ASMS Direct - Issue 2010-18
4 November 2010
Dear Member
We welcome any feedback on the contents of the 18th issue for 2010 of ASMS Direct.
MEETING TO DISCUSS PHARMAC PROCUREMENT OF HOSPITAL MEDICINES
The ASMS has received the following letter for all hospital doctors and pharmacists from Medicines New Zealand to consider the best approach to hospital medicines procurement by Pharmac following the government’s recent policy announcement. This policy shift arises out of last year’s Ministerial Review Group (Horn) Report. The emphasis of the letter is to encourage as many of you to attend a meeting on Saturday 20 November in Auckland (the organisers are offering to provide assistance for travel for those outside the Auckland region in some instances) and to consider making a submission to Pharmac by Friday 17 December.
The letter is reprinted below for your information:
You will be aware that PHARMAC is currently consulting on how it should best approach hospital medicines procurement. The due date for submissions is Friday 17 December 2010.
Medicines New Zealand believes that it is essential that clinicians’ voices be heard on this topic, both about the interim process PHARMAC follows and the final funding structure.
We would also like to understand clinicians’ opinions about how to ensure optimal access to medicines for patients.
We will be hosting a meeting to canvass clinicians’ opinions on Saturday 20 November in Auckland. This meeting will be open to hospital clinicians and pharmacists, and will be chaired by Associate Professor Richard Robson, with brief introductory presentations by PHARMAC and Health Benefits Limited.
A single forum that includes representation from across the country is preferable, but if there is sufficient demand for meetings in other main centres, this will be arranged. Assistance with travel will be considered.
The Pharmac consultation document is available online at: http://www.pharmac.co.nz/2010/08/24/2010-08-24%20-%20initial%20discussion%20paper%20on%20hospital%20pharmaceuticals.pdf
Meeting date: Saturday 20 November
Time: 10am to 3pm
Venue: Auckland (to be confirmed)
We hope that you will join us at this opportunity to express your views.
RSVP to michelle.gibbs@medicinesnz.co.nz by Friday 12 November indicating your preferred meeting location and any special dietary requirements.
Yours sincerely
Denise Wood
Chief Executive Officer
Medicines New Zealand26 October 2010
Kind regards
Ian Powell
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
