Every year 25,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with cancer. Almost every New Zealander will have experience with cancer in one way or another – through a friend, colleague, or loved one.

 

For too long, Kiwis with cancer haven’t had the medicines needed for their battle with the disease.

 

During the 2023 election, National committed to funding 13 cancer treatments that will help New Zealanders fighting cancer. This included treatments for cancers of the lungs, liver, bowel, kidneys, bladder, head and neck, and melanoma cancers.

 

John, today I’m pleased to inform you that as a result of our Government’s $604 million funding uplift for Pharmac, the agency has announced it is making that 13th and final cancer treatment from our promise available to patients – delivering on our commitment.

 

But it doesn’t stop there.

 

Because of our record investment in medicines, Pharmac has also been able to fund an additional 20 cancer treatments on top of the 13 we promised, as well as 31 non-cancer medicines. These additional treatments are now benefiting patients with ovarian, thyroid, breast, and blood cancers, as well as those living with conditions like psoriasis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, and arthritis.

 

National’s strong economic management and focus on growth makes these lifechanging investments possible.

 

National knows how much healthcare matters to you and your family and we are continuing to invest in Healthcare with $16.68bn of investment in health over three budgets and we are taking action to improve access to primary care.

 

Thank you for your continued support,

 

Simeon Brown
National Party spokesperson for Health