News

Kia ora,   We are writing regarding funded diabetes technology, specifically insulin pump choice, and quantity limitations for continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), and the process to follow when encountering faulty devices.   Insulin pump choice Since October 2024, Pharmac has funded two insulin pumps for people meeting eligibility criteria. A table comparing the various features and differences between the two pumps  is on the Pharmac website. Pump selection is considered ‘permanent’ for the...

From 1 November 2025, Pharmac will be updating its rare disorders policy principles by broadening the definition of a rare disorder. The new definition will be: “a medical condition with a specific pattern of clinical signs, symptoms and findings that affects fewer than or equal to 1 in 2,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand.” This change aligns Pharmac’s policy with the Aotearoa New Zealand Rare Disorders Strategy 2024 and reflects the feedback we received from stakeholders and the community....

We want your feedback on a proposal to fund silver diamine fluoride for people accessing dental services through Health New Zealand public hospitals, and the ‘Health New Zealand Community Oral Health Service’ for children and some adolescents. Silver diamine fluoride is a topical dental treatment, combining ionic silver and fluoride. It can stop the progression of existing cavities and reduce tooth sensitivity. It is used in hospitals and community dental clinics and can only be administered...

Please see below link to job vacancy: Tautoko - Administration - Career - View Job - Registered Nurse (Oncology)

Welcome to the latest update from the Ministry of Health | Manatū Hauora on the regulation of medicines, medical devices and natural health products.   This newsletter includes updates on the following:  ·         Important policy decisions on the Medical Products Bill   ·         Community pharmacy ownership  ·         Advertising   ·         Statutory timeframes  ·         Offences and penalties  ·         Medical products regulator  ·         Medical products exports  ·         Supporting...

Kia ora   We are writing to inform you of a supply issue.   Key messages The supplier Pfizer has informed us that Depo-Testosterone will be in short supply from late-October to mid-December 2025. Pfizer has been unable to source an alternative bioequivalent product. Please consider not starting any new patients on Depo-Testosterone for the supply issue period Clinical advice has told us - prescribers may wish to consider alternative funded testosterone products , such as Reandron 1000 vial...