The spin from Pharmac does not give me any reassurance that I will be able to access the only patch brand that works for me. Why are they pushing through with a brand that only 25% of women are using and no doubt many of that number are not thriving on it like they would estrodot. The women of NZ deserve choice to select the option that works for them. I personally can't use the estrogen tablet and if I can't access estrodot, I'm left with the gel, which needing 4+ pumps a day would be problematic.
1. Why is this new supplier able to provide a guarantee on demand, whereas others cannot?
2. Over the past three years, what percentage of prescriptions have been attributed to each supplier? Specifically, what is the market share of the top four brands by name and percentage of business?
Given the Chief Executive has stated this is not a cost-driven issue, Pharmac should acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach is inappropriate for hormone-related conditions. Instead, the tendering process should be restructured to meet the diverse needs of New Zealanders.
For example, Pharmac could provide three brand options, allowing patients to choose based on their individual requirements, without guaranteeing supply for any single brand. Suppliers should have confidence in their products and be prepared to operate under these conditions.
The spin from Pharmac does not give me any reassurance that I will be able to access the only patch brand that works for me. Why are they pushing through with a brand that only 25% of women are using and no doubt many of that number are not thriving on it like they would estrodot. The women of NZ deserve choice to select the option that works for them. I personally can't use the estrogen tablet and if I can't access estrodot, I'm left with the gel, which needing 4+ pumps a day would be problematic.
Key Questions:
1. Why is this new supplier able to provide a guarantee on demand, whereas others cannot?
2. Over the past three years, what percentage of prescriptions have been attributed to each supplier? Specifically, what is the market share of the top four brands by name and percentage of business?
Given the Chief Executive has stated this is not a cost-driven issue, Pharmac should acknowledge that a one-size-fits-all approach is inappropriate for hormone-related conditions. Instead, the tendering process should be restructured to meet the diverse needs of New Zealanders.
For example, Pharmac could provide three brand options, allowing patients to choose based on their individual requirements, without guaranteeing supply for any single brand. Suppliers should have confidence in their products and be prepared to operate under these conditions.