Medicines New Zealand - Guided by Principles

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Background

Medicines New Zealand: Outcomes

Guided by Principles

Implemented through Excellent Systems

Medicines New Zealand
Contributing to good health outcomes for all New Zealanders
Guided by Principles

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Achieving the Medicines New Zealand outcomes (quality, safety and efficacy; access; and optimal use) requires making policy decisions about a wide range of issues. Policy decisions that advance Medicines New Zealand will be principles-based, including decisions around setting the community pharmaceuticals budget. The principles described below cannot be considered in isolation and in some cases overlap. Decisions about medicines can and do require balancing competing objectives and making judgements using good information. This reflects the reality of complex health care settings and the systems needed to ensure the safe and appropriate use of medicines.

Equity
New Zealanders in similar need of medicines have an equitable opportunity to access equivalent medicines. Medicines and other resources are allocated in a manner that reduces inequity of outcomes.

Medicines New Zealand acknowledges the special relationship between Maori and the Crown. Strategies to achieve equity for Maori under Medicines New Zealand will recognise and build onthe strengths and assets of Maori.

Effectiveness
The medicines system is effective, people-centred, evidence-based and reflects best practice to ensure safety, efficacy and timeliness. Within a population focus there is flexibility to consider individual variations.

Confidence
The processes within the medicines system are robust and transparent. Stakeholders (including consumers) understand and have the opportunity, as appropriate, to participate in the decision making processes used for regulating, funding and managing medicines.

Value for money
The systems in the medicines sector operate efficiently and work collaboratively to secure the greatest possible value (in terms of efficacy, equity and cost) from medicines. This includes minimising compliance costs and making choices in a context of acceptance of scarcity and opportunity cost.

Affordability
The medicines used within the health and disability support system and the structures and processes that support their use are affordable for individuals and the community and are met with the funding available.

Transparency
New Zealanders can be confident that the medicines system operates in a fair and reasonable manner, based on the principles set out in Medicines New Zealand. The principle of transparency is balanced against other needs, including the need to conduct commercial negotiations in order to secure the best health outcomes.

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