Rare Disorders NZ appalled by attitude within Pharmac; calls for Chair's removal

“It seems that the executive of Pharmac has lost touch with the very personal and sensitive nature of their work. Patient advocates such as Smalley play such an important role in reminding Pharmac about the people who are at the receiving end of their decisions. Their decisions impact individuals and families immensely, and this is a responsibility they must shoulder with tact and sensitivity at all times.” 

The internal emails have come to light following journalist Rachel Smalley’s Privacy Act request and display a high degree of contempt for the journalist.  

“The emails reflect a culture where belittling those trying to hold them to account seems to be acceptable. As an agency with the authority to decide who gets access to life-saving medicines this simply cannot be brushed aside as a minor issue, and the Chair’s failure to recognise this means he must go. Patients’ trust in Pharmac has been eroding over many years, and this latest incident will only intensify this mistrust. Culture change is needed at Pharmac, beginning with a change in leadership.”