Pharmac’s Reset Programme Marks Key Progress in First 90-Day Phase

“For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” said Minister Seymour.

New Zealand’s pharmaceutical funding agency, Pharmac, has completed its first 90-day action plan under the five-year Reset Programme — an initiative designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, and patient engagement, Associate Health Minister David Seymour announced.

A Milestone in Reform and Transparency

The Reset Programme was launched in response to a series of external reviews that identified the need for Pharmac to improve its communication, decision-making transparency, and inclusion of patient voices in the medicine-funding process. The 90-day plans are central to this transformation, serving as short, measurable phases to track tangible progress within a broader 12-month initial implementation stage.

“For many New Zealanders, funding for pharmaceuticals is life or death, or the difference between a life of pain and suffering or living freely,” said Minister Seymour. “Pharmac must have strong processes so patients, their families, and clinicians can have a real say in decisions. This is part of the ACT-National Coalition Agreement.”

Building the Foundation: Consumer and Patient Engagement

A key feature of the first action plan, which ran from July 1 to September 30, 2025, was the establishment of the Consumer and Patient Working Group, chaired by well-known patient advocate Dr Malcolm Mulholland. The group consists of ten members representing a broad spectrum of health needs and communities. Their task is to ensure the Reset Programme reflects patient experiences, values, and expectations.

Pharmac also developed a consumer advocate database to improve communication with diverse communities and promote inclusive participation in decision-making. Another achievement included integrating patient impact measures into Pharmac’s data systems to strengthen future Budget bids. In line with this effort, the agency released Budget 2025/26 information proactively, inviting informed consumer feedback.

An update report on Pharmac’s progress in addressing recommendations from the 2022 Pharmac Review was also published, providing greater clarity and transparency for patients and their advocates.

Voices Driving Change

Dr Mulholland praised the early results of the Reset Programme. “We’ve already got some runs on the board in this first quarter, and next we’ll be diving into the processes that matter most to consumers and patients. Pharmac’s work is vitally important, and our focus is on helping the organisation to work as well as it can,” he said.

The Working Group has provided critical advice and feedback throughout the implementation of these actions, complementing the ongoing work of Pharmac’s Consumer Advisory Committee. One action still in progress is expanding Pharmac’s engagement function to include dedicated relationship managers who will maintain ongoing communication with key patient and consumer groups.

Next Steps: Deepening Patient Involvement

Work is already underway on the next 90-day action plan, which will focus on institutionalising patient involvement in Pharmac’s decision-making frameworks. Upcoming initiatives include:

• Developing consultation guidelines for when and how patients should be consulted on funding decisions, brand changes, or medicine supply issues.

• Incorporating patient stories and lived experiences into clinical meetings and strategic discussions.

• Creating a unified communication framework with patient organisations to coordinate engagement and storytelling.

• Partnering with consumer groups to refine the medicine funding application process.

• Drafting a future-focused strategy that integrates the perspectives of staff, clinicians, and consumers alike.

Government Support and Long-Term Vision

The Government has reinforced its commitment to Pharmac’s transformation through record funding. Last year, it allocated $6.294 billion over four years, including a $604 million uplift to ensure the agency has the resources needed to deliver on its expanded mandate.

“The Government is doing its part,” Minister Seymour said. “This funding gives Pharmac the financial backing it needs to negotiate the best deals for medicines and make sure New Zealanders get fair and timely access to the treatments they need.”

As the Reset Programme moves into its next phase, it aims to establish a culture of openness, collaboration, and trust between Pharmac and the communities it serves — laying the groundwork for a more responsive, patient-centred healthcare system in New Zealand.