An expert says the Government should aim for the best drugs available, not be tied to an old list.

National pledged to fund 13 cancer drugs during the election campaign, but didn't allocate any money in last week's Budget.

The Prime Minister says an announcement on treatments will be made this year.

Otago University Cancer Medicine Professor, Chris Jackson, says the list was based on what Australia has - that we don't.

He says it didn't take such things as cost into account.

"Personally, I would prefer saying - we've got this much money, and then letting Pharmac rank it and then get the best deals." 

LISTEN ABOVE

An expert says the Government should aim for the best drugs available, not be tied to an old list.
National pledged to fund 13 cancer drugs during the election campaign, but didn't allocate any money in last week's Budget.
The Prime Minister says an announcement on treatments will be made this year.
Otago University Cancer Medicine Professor, Chris Jackson, says the list was based on what Australia has - that we don't.
He says it didn't take such things as cost into account.
"Personally, I would prefer saying - we've got this much money, and then letting Pharmac rank it and then get the best deals." 
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.