15 Mar NCCN Celebrates Retention of Pharmac Rule 8.1b, Ensuring Equitable Access to Life-Saving Cancer Treatments for All Children
The National Child Cancer Network applauds the decision to retain Pharmac rule 8.1b which allows for children with cancer to continue to access modern cancer pharmaceuticals.
This rule has played a critical role in establishing a world-class, equitable treatment pathway for childhood cancer in New Zealand, leading to survival rates on par with other high-income nations like Australia, the United Kingdom and the United States.
“Rule 8.1b plays a crucial role in ensuring all children, no matter their socioeconomic status, ethnicity, or location within New Zealand, receive the appropriate cancer treatment they need,” says National Child Cancer Network Clinical Lead, Stephen Laughton. “The continuation of rule 8.1b allows us to continue this success and adapt to the ever-evolving field of paediatric oncology, guaranteeing the best possible outcomes for tamariki in New Zealand.”
The National Child Cancer Network welcomes the opportunity to work in partnership with Pharmac to develop a robust governance structure, to ensure we continue to prioritise both timely and equitable access for all children, to clinically relevant cancer medications.
The National Child Cancer Network acknowledges the important role that families, whānau, and supporting organisations played in advocating to keep this special provision for children with cancer.